Japanese chest of drawers, tansu, in black lacquer and gold lacquer, silver mounts engraved with the mon Shimazu (late Edo – early Meiji, circa 1860–1880)

This high-quality Japanese chest of drawers , made in Japan during the late Edo and early Meiji periods (circa 1860–1880), is distinguished by its exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Entirely covered in urushi lacquer , it features a deep, glossy black finish not only on the visible surfaces but also on the back and interior, extending even into the drawers. This comprehensive finish, typically reserved for high-end pieces, testifies to the lengthy and demanding workshop process characteristic of ceremonial Japanese furniture .

The fittings, handles, and protective elements are made of silver (tested), entirely hand-engraved . The spandrels, lock covers, and reinforcing pieces, including those at the feet and back, are crafted with goldsmith-like precision. The lock covers bear the mon (heraldic emblem) of the Shimazu clan , the maru ni jūmonji (right-hand cross inscribed in a circle), repeated as a sign of authority and belonging. The rhythm of the keyhole escutcheons, partially concealed and integrated into the design, adds a functional sophistication uncommon in antique Japanese furniture .

The silverwork is complemented by a precious lacquer decoration: against a black background stand stylized circular motifs depicting a tortoise and a crane in flight. In Japanese iconography, the tortoise and the crane form a major symbolic pair, associated with longevity , prosperity , good fortune , and the continuity of lineage. On a piece bearing the mon of a great house, this decorative program acts as a visual language of prestige, protection, and the wish for lasting endurance.

The historical context enhances the interpretation of this object: the Shimazu clan , lords of Satsuma (Kagoshima), was among the most powerful lineages in Japan. At the turn of the 1860s and 1880s, a period of transition between the Edo and Meiji eras, elite commissions combined exceptional mastery of traditional techniques—in this case , urushi lacquer and precious metal engraving—with a strong assertion of identity through heraldry. This piece of furniture powerfully illustrates this transitional aesthetic , where craftsmanship reached a pinnacle of refinement.

Features

• Type : Japanese chest of drawers, decorative furniture
• Materials : urushi lacquer (black lacquer, gold lacquer), engraved silver fittings and handles
• Decoration : my Shimazu (maru ni jūmonji), Minogamous tortoise and crane (symbols of longevity and good omen)
• Period : Late Edo – Early Meiji (circa 1860–1880)

Dimensions : H. 76 cm – L. 66.5 cm – D. 37.5 cm.