A black-lacquer rectangular portable tansu (chest)


Edo period (1615-1868), mid/late 19th centuryConsisting of six drawers of assorted size, one with an elaborate lock, decorated in silver and gold togidashi maki-e, the whole surface covered by a simulated furoshiki (wrapping cloth), creating a division between the different zones of contrasting designs and motifs, including stylised ho-o (phoenixes) in flight, flowering peony blooms and repeated chequered patterns of auspicous symbols, the sides with scrolling flowers of kiku (chrysanthemums), keshi (opium poppies) and stylized ho-o birds and dragons, the front decorated with roundels of single hares against flowers and foliage, opium poppies, chrysanthemums and kikyo (Chinese bellflowers), the sides applied with two silver bracket carrying handles, the top with two silver engraved fittings. 19.5cm x 34.2cm x 16.1cm (7 5/8in x 13½in x 6 6/8in).