Japanese Antique Wooden Funa Tansu Chest 5 Drawers Merchant Ship Box Meiji

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Japanese Antique Wooden Kake Suzuribako Funa Tansu Drawer WBX330

This is an Edo-period Japanese Funa Tansu (ship chest), with an inscription on the back written in ink that reads “Bunka 3rd year, 3rd month (1806)”.
It features beautiful hand-forged iron fittings, a front door, and multiple drawers inside.
The deep reddish-brown lacquer finish and aged metalwork express the refined beauty of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

The top board is not made from a single plank but is constructed from two wooden panels joined diagonally.
Between them is an inserted tenon-like wooden piece (hozo board) that reinforces the structure.
(Image 11: hozo board removed / Image 12: hozo board inserted)
This ingenious structure was designed to prevent warping or cracking caused by humidity changes and to make efficient use of valuable solid wood — a testament to the advanced woodworking techniques of the time.

Features

Condition

There are scratches, wear, cracks, and minor metal losses consistent with age and use.
One drawer handle is missing, and some drawers are slightly stiff when opened.
The key is not included, but the drawers can still be opened.