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

• Type: Funa Tansu (portable merchant’s ship chest)

• Material: Natural wood with hand-forged iron fittings

• Period: Edo period (Bunka 3rd year, 1806)

• Ink inscription on the back: “Bunka 3rd year, 3rd month”

• Front door: Lock plate included (key not included)

• Interior: Five drawers with iron ring handles

• Handcrafted joinery and lacquer finish showcasing elegant wood grain and patina

• Traditional iron corner brackets providing both strength and aesthetic balance

• Distinctive construction: Diagonal board joint with inserted hozo board to prevent warping

Uses

Originally used by merchants on ships to safely store documents, money, and personal items,
this piece now serves beautifully as an antique storage box, collector’s display, or interior decoration.
Its solid craftsmanship and gracefully aged texture add a sense of history and character to any space.

Size

• Height: 27.5 cm / approx. 10.8 inches

• Width: 35 cm / approx. 13.8 inches

• Depth: 22.5 cm / approx. 8.9 inches

• Total Weight: 5.2 kg

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.

Believed to date from the Bunka era (1804–1818),
this is an exceptionally rare Edo-period Funa Tansu — a fine example of both practicality and craftsmanship.
It makes a superb addition to any collection or as a striking accent in a Japanese-style interior.