Kaidan Dansu (Step Tansu) From Japan Meiji Period - 19th Century Finish - Blue Lacquer and garden scenes in gilt

and garden scenes in gilt lacquer

Materials: Cedar or pine with original red lacquer and gold-painted decoration

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

Condition: Good vintage condition with age-related wear consistent with use

echoing the graceful prayer niche forms found in historic Indian and Islamic architecture

Kaidan Dansu (Step Tansu) From Japan Meiji Period - 19th Century Finish - Blue Lacquer and garden scenes in giltThis 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