Japanes kodansu (small storage chesy)

A Japanese kodansu is a small decorative storage chest or box that was typically used in the Edo period (1603-1868) to store personal belongings or small valuables, such as letters, documents, money, or pieces of jewelry. Kodansu can be made from a variety of materials, such as wood, lacquer, metal, or ceramic, and are often adorned with intricate designs and decorations.

Kodansu were popular among the middle and upper classes in Japan during the Edo period, and were often given as gifts or used as part of a dowry. They were also used by geishas and courtesans to store their personal items and accessories, and as such, were sometimes referred to as "tay?bako" or "tay? chests."

The design of kodansu is often highly detailed and ornate, with intricate carvings or inlays, and may feature motifs from nature, such as flowers, birds, or animals. Some kodansu were also designed more...

8 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

A c1900 Japanese Kodansu bedside chest, with combination of…

Japanese Kodansu Bedside Chest with Five Drawers and Cupboard

A c1900 Japanese Kodansu bedside chest, with combination of five drawers and single cupboard enclosing three further drawers, decorative black metal fittings, complete with two keys. 60.5 x 30.5 x 60.5 cm.

A c1900 Japanese Kodansu collector's chest, with combination of…

Japanese Kodansu Chest with Decorative Fittings and Keys

A c1900 Japanese Kodansu collector's chest, with combination of three drawers and single cupboard door, enclosing two further drawers decorative black metal fittings, complete with keys. 45.5 x 30 x 49 cm.

A c1900 Japanese Kodansu bedside chest, with combination of a…

Japanese Kodansu Bedside Chest with Sliding Doors and Drawers

A c1900 Japanese Kodansu bedside chest, with combination of a pair of sliding doors above five drawers and one cupboard door, bronze fittings, minor old damage. 65 x 36 x 76 cm.

A c1900 Japanese Kodansu collector's chest, with combination of…

Japanese Kodansu Collector's Chest with Swing Handles

A c1900 Japanese Kodansu collector's chest, with combination of four drawers, black metal fittings with swing handles to the front and top. 30 x 31 x 39 cm.

A c1900 Japanese Kodansu bedside chest, with combination of…

Japanese Kodansu Bedside Chest with Seven Drawers

A c1900 Japanese Kodansu bedside chest, with combination of seven drawers, metal fittings including swing handles to the front and sides. 61.5 x 33 x 75 cm.

A Japanese black lacquer Kodansu, late Edo period, circa early…

Edo Period Black Lacquer Kodansu with Gold Star Decoration

A Japanese black lacquer Kodansu, late Edo period, circa early 19th century, with three drawers to the front, and a tray form top, decorated with six pointed gold stars and incised copper hardware, 37 cm high, 35.5 cm wide, 25 cm deep

A Japanese late Meiji period ivory kodansu (miniature cabinet),…

Meiji Ivory Kodansu with Intaglio Carvings

A Japanese late Meiji period ivory kodansu (miniature cabinet), with two panelled doors opening to reveal four drawers, the top, sides and doors decorated with fine intaglio carvings depicting acrobats and a musician, geisha and samurai, children and…

A good and rare late Meiji period miniature shibayama Kodansu.…

Late Meiji Shibayama Kodansu with Intricate Ivory and Lacquer Decoration

A good and rare late Meiji period miniature shibayama Kodansu. All surfaces panelled in ivory and decorated with coloured lacquer depicting a bubble blower, cockerel, peony birds and Mt Fujiyama. Beyond are cranes with a landscape of tree trunks and…