‘Sakata Funa Tansu (酒田船箪笥)’ – Antique Japanese Shipping Chest

A ’Funa Tansu / Funadansu (船箪笥)’ is a small, sturdy chest of drawers that served as a safe and was used on merchant vessels from the Edo period (1603-1868) to the Meiji period (1868-1912). It contained items such as ship bills, license tags, cargo documents, cash and valuables, inkstones, brushes, and seals.

It features a robust construction using solid wood, typically hinoki (Japanese cypress), cedar, or keyaki (zelkova). The joinery techniques provide maximum strength and durability with heavy-duty metal hardware, ensuring the chest could withstand the challenges of transportation. These elements also served as decorative features, showcasing the craftsmanship of the blacksmith.

It is typically divided into multiple compartments or drawers, allowing for organised storage of goods during transit. Each compartment was carefully designed to accommodate specific items, while minimising movement and potential damage.

Despite their size and weight, the shipping chests were designed with portability in mind. Many features handles or carrying poles attached to the sides, allowing them to be easily transported onto carts or ships for long journeys.

While functionality was paramount, it often features decorative accents such as ornate metalwork, intricate carvings, or lacquer finishes. These embellishments also serve as status symbols, indicating the wealth and social standing of the owner.

‘Sakata (酒田),’ at the mouth of Japan’s main island, ‘Honshu,’ was an important port for transporting rice and safflower. Thirty-six wealthy merchants, shipping wholesalers, prospered and had many warehouses there. Sakata was one of the three major producing areas for Funadansu, along with ‘Sado (佐渡)’ and ‘Echizen (越前).’

This piece showcases many typical Funadansu characteristics. Every compartment is lockable, including the sliding doors. The drawer on the bottom right has a structure surrounded by an additional layer, so that it cannot be easily taken in and out. Despite its small size, it is beautifully constructed.

For additional photos and information about this Japanese Antique Shipping Chest, please kindly reach out to us.

Dimensions: Hight 41cm, Width 49cm, Depth 38cm

Period: Meiji (1868-1912)

Material: Zelkova / Ebony / Paulownia