Antique Japanese Sado Island Funa Dansu (Tansu) Edo Period ( 1615-1868)

Antique Japanese Funa Dansu (Tansu)
Edo Period ( 1615-1868)

This is a very rare Mid - Late Edo Period ( 1615-1868) Sado Island Funa Tansu, in original condition.

The top three areas during the Edo Period that produced Funa Dansu, were Sado Island in Nigata Province, Mikuni in Fukui Province and Sakata in Yamagata Province.

This Kendon Funa Dansu is an Extremely Rare piece, it is also quite Unique.
According to Tatsuya Kato San of Minami Ku , Fukuoka, Japan.
A Dealer and Specialist in Antique Funa Tansu.
“ I have sold many Funa Dansu ( In Japanese when used together with Funa, the word Tansu changes to Dansu), this is the first time I have ever seen a a Funa Dansu which also has the unique feature of having 3 small horizontal drawers in the middle.
This Tansu would have been a special commissioned order by a wealthy ships captain.”
The entirety of this magnificent Sado Tansu is made from Keyaki (elm) hardwood. Hand forged iron for added protection and security around the edges and across the top .
This type of Tansu is known as a Kendon Funa Dansu, a rail fitted door type.
The full fronted door has at its base 2 extended fitting round hardwood rails (pins)that drop into holes set in the frame.

Faced with hand forged hand beaten iron on all the corners and side sections, an iron central medallion for the key lock bearing the character Fuku 福meaning good fortune and happiness.
Abounded with chrysanthemum flower and leafage on either side. A drop pull handle of impressive proportion and weight.
The lower section a large ruyi head design handmade copper panel decorated with acanthus scrolling set against a background of Nanako (魚子/斜子 literally means "fish-roe". It is the name for a pattern of punched dots that resemble a certain type of fabric )

Inside
Top: A two handled drop pull single drawer. Head beaten hand forged iron corners.

Middle : Left and right drawers with drop pull handles. Head beaten hand forged iron corners. Behind the centre column is a concealed (Karakuri), Kiri wood (paulonia ) long drawer.

Lower: Left and right rail fitted doors with locks. Head beaten hand forged lower iron corners. Each door decorated centrally with hand forged iron work with drop pull handles. Behind the right hand side door, a Kiri wood box with drop pull handle on a left sliding door that opens another Kiri wood drawer inside.
Behind the left hand side door is Keyaki wood iron bordered, iron faced lockable money box, with iron bands surrounding. A drop pull handle front and on top.

It is extremely rare to find an original Funa Dansu complete with an iron banded money box, in original condition.

The vast majority of Funa Dansu did not have Keyaki hardwood iron banded money boxes.
In over 40 years I have only ever seen 5 Tansu with an original Keyaki iron banded money box..... I own 2!!
With keys attached to an antique ivory netsuke of a Kappa seated on a turtle.

This Rare completely original Mid - Late Edo Period ( 1615-1868) Sado Island Funa Tansu is a Collectors Treasure.

Condition Excellent for age

Width about : 50.5 cm
Depth about: 41.5 cm
Height about : 45 cm

A$35,000

Compare the quality and uniqueness of this to any on the net. The Zentner Collection in California has Tansu ranging to up to US$50K plus. None of them match this.

A Modern Reproduction (Mingei) Funa Dansu can be made now to order now in Mikuni in Fukui Province. It will take from 4 to 6 months and cost US$18,000 to US$40,000 depending on the design.