‘Mizuya Dansu (水屋箪笥)’ – Antique Japanese Kitchen Cabinet

A wide variety of types of Mizuya Dansu have been made across Japan. This Antique Japanese piece was made in the Kanto region, an area centred by Tokyo, during Meiji / Taisho period.

The facade of this Japanese Antique Mizuya Tansu is made of Keyaki (Japanese zelkova). Keyaki wood is historically used for a wide range of purposes in Japan. Characterised by less warping and is resistant to moisture, also hard and resistant to wear, used for joinery such as furnitures, fittings, and whiskey barrels. It has been also widely used as a construction material for Japanese houses, shrines, and temples since ancient times. Buddhist statues are also made from zelkova wood.

The upper sliding door of the Tansu feature elaborate lighter colour carvings, with an image of palm tree on the right and irises on the left. A clear glass is applied to the front of the door, so the light reflects on the carvings beautifully.

The lower sliding doors are decorated with vertical lattices.

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Dimensions:                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Upper part: Height 98cm, Width 108cm, Depth 51cm                                                                                                                                               Lower part: Height 77cm, Width 108cm, Depth 51cm

Period: Meiji (1868-1912) / Taisho (1912-1926) period

Material: keyaki, ceder