A large, lightweight, lacquered chest. We believe this to be a mid-20th century interpretation of an Edo-period hasami-bako (traveling robe chest). Sometimes, these are referred to as a "wedding chests," although we can’t confirm they were used as such.
During the Edo period (1603 to 1868), Japan was ruled by the Tokugawa clan. The Tokugawa shoguns famously required all regional leaders (the Daimyo) and their families to travel regularly to the capital Edo (Tokyo), in order to discourage regional power centers from developing. This meant a lot of travel back-and-forth on horseback, requiring a lot of lightweight luggage! This chest is decorated with the Tokugawa clan crest (the aoi mon, or hollyhock crest). The Tokugawas did not disappear after the Meiji Restoration, so perhaps this chest was a possession of the extended clan. More likely, however, the design is an homage to the lost shogunate.
33.5" long x 22" wide x 18" tall. Lightweight wood, and brown lacquer, with gold maki-e decoration. The interior is lined with indigo blue cloth. The latch on the front, and the handles on the sides are of wrought iron; the hinges on the rear are brass. This one comes with a lacquered stand, which is not attached. Makes a nice coffe table, since lacquer is very resistant to moisture and stains.
A large, lightweight, lacquered chest. We believe this to be a mid-20th century interpretation of an Edo-period hasami-bako (traveling robe chest). Sometimes, these are referred to as a "wedding chests," although we can’t confirm they were used as such.
During the Edo period (1603 to 1868), Japan was ruled by the Tokugawa clan. The Tokugawa shoguns famously required all regional leaders (the Daimyo) and their families to travel regularly to the capital Edo (Tokyo), in order to discourage regional power centers from developing. This meant a lot of travel back-and-forth on horseback, requiring a lot of lightweight luggage! This chest is decorated with the Tokugawa clan crest (the aoi mon, or hollyhock crest). The Tokugawas did not disappear after the Meiji Restoration, so perhaps this chest was a possession of the extended clan. More likely, however, the design is an homage to the lost shogunate.
33.5" long x 22" wide x 18" tall. Lightweight wood, and brown lacquer, with gold maki-e decoration. The interior is lined with indigo blue cloth. The latch on the front, and the handles on the sides are of wrought iron; the hinges on the rear are brass. This one comes with a lacquered stand, which is not attached. Makes a nice coffe table, since lacquer is very resistant to moisture and stains.
