A KIRI (PAULOWNIA) WOOD SWORD CHEST, KATANA DANSU, EDO PERIOD

拍品描述

A KIRI (PAULOWNIA) WOOD SWORD CHEST, KATANA DANSU, EDO PERIOD This lot is from a single owner collection and is therefore offered without reserve Japan, 18th-19th century. Of elongated rectangular form, the front fitted with two rows of drawers, the upper comprising a larger and a smaller drawer, the lower with a single full-width drawer. Each is secured with iron lock plates and furnished with recessed carrying handles, the chest further reinforced with kiku knobs, iron mounts to the corners and edges decorated with inome. Important Note: For essential information on the Jorgen Ruben Gallery Ledger and provenance documentation please visit here: www.zacke.at/rubencollection_ledger Dimensions: Size 31 x 34.3 x 109 cm Sword chests (katana-dansu) were among the specialized forms developed during the Edo period, intended for the storage and transport of swords and other martial equipment. In an era when the samurai class occupied a central position in society, such chests served as secure repositories for a warrior's most valuable possessions, including swords, sword fittings, armor components and official documents. Constructed for durability and portability, sword chests were frequently fitted with iron mounts, locks and carrying handles, allowing them to be moved between residences, military encampments or places of duty. Katana-dansu were usually made of lightweight kiri (Paulownia, or foxglove) wood, as it protected the swords from oxidizing in the humid summers, was easy to carry, and the kiri wood, although light, would not burn easily, protecting the important items inside in case of fire. Kiri was also good for protecting items from insects. Literature comparison: Compare a related, slightly later sword chest, dated early Meiji period, 1870-1880, offered by Zentner, Emeryville, California, SKU 1460179, for USD 2,400 or approx. EUR 2,100 (converted at the time of writing).

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