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

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

This is an excellent Mid - Late Edo Period ( 1615-1868) Mikuni Karakuri 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 tansu is quite different to the more common type of Kake Suzuri Funa Dansu , (rectangular boxy looking ,having just a single hinged door at the front)

This superb 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 Mikuni Tansu is known as a Karakuri Funa Dansu, because it has two hidden sections.

Top: A two single drawers, left and right hand side, divided by a central pillar. Hand beaten hand forged iron corners and central lock panel, with drop pull wave handles. To access the hidden box, the right hand drawer is removed, the long box being located behind the central pillar.

Middle : Right hand side is a hinged door that opens to the right. Hand beaten hand forged iron work corners, and central. Four sets of different shaped drawers behind.
To access another secret box , the square face drawer has to be removed to access the hidden box located at the rear and to the right. Left hand side is a sliding door, iron facings, Keyaki wood central reinforcing bars. The door can only slide to the right once the hinged door is open. Once the hinged door is opened to the right , the sliding door can then be moved across, providing access to the iron bound money box behind.

Lower: A single drawer, with hand beaten hand forged with drop pull wave handles.

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 curly haired Shishi.

This Karakuri Mid - Late Edo Period ( 1615-1868) Mikuni Funa Tansu is a Collectors Treasure.

Condition Excellent for age

Width about : 51.5 cm
Depth about: 38.5 cm
Height about : 51.5 cm
A$30,000

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.