Late Edo funa-dansu from Sado island (Ogi) This is an early type of chobako funa-dansu with a kendon-buta (drop-fit door) revealing 6 drawers including 2 money boxes. This sea chest is built with keyaki-wood (zelkova) faces wiped with transparent lacquer (fuki-urushi) and thick metalwork. Drawers interior is made of kiri-wood (paulownia). This type of single kendon-gata (drop-fit door) with simple but sturdy metalwork was produced in early 19th century. Sea chests were used by captains of coastal vessels to carry valuable documents and records about the ship route and cargo, and even a Rising Sun flag to be raised when the ship was transporting rice for the government.

Please email us if you’d like more information on this goods.