Kaidan Dansu (Step Tansu) From Japan Meiji Period - 19th Century Finish - Blue Lacquer The Kasane Dansu form separates

The Kasane Dansu form separates into two sections for ease of transport and use — a characteristic feature of chests made for urban homes

Condition: Good vintage condition with surface wear and patina consistent with age and use

and garden scenes in gilt lacquer

One side presents a bright green ground filled with bold yellow and orange floral motifs

Woodblock print by artist Nishikawa Sukenobu (1671-1750) entitled 'Visit to the Garden'

Kaidan Dansu (Step Tansu) From Japan Meiji Period - 19th Century Finish - Blue Lacquer The Kasane Dansu form separatesThis Japanese Kaidan Tansu (step chest) dates from the Meiji period and is one of the most recognisable forms of traditional Japanese furniture. Originally designed to provide access to the upper floors of machiya townhouses, shops and teahouses, these ingenious pieces combined the function of a staircase with practical storage. Their distinctive silhouette became so iconic that they frequently appeared in ukiyo e woodblock prints by artists including