Japanese Etchu Chodansu
Name/Title
Japanese Etchu ChodansuEntry/Object ID
MK_0188Description
Discover the Japanese Meiji period through this tansu chest, stained with a rich, dark finish. The chest's facade boasts a pair of sliding door compartments, one of which contains two small interior draws, all mounted with black iron drawer pulls, door pulls, and side handles. Resting on its base, this piece is a testament to the craftsmanship of its time. Though tansu (traditional, transportable storage containers) originated in Japan’s Edo period (1603-1868), this tansu hails from the Meiji period (1868-1912), named after Japan's ruler at the time, Emperor Meiji, who opened a previously isolated Japan up to other cultures, particularly those in the Western hemisphere. As Japan opened up to greater travel and cultural intermingling, there was a blurring of social and economic stratification. Out of this transition grew considerable changes for tansu craftsmanship, with makers beginning to enjoy greater freedom, catering to customers across Japan’s socio-economic classes. Simpler and more functional in its design, this etchu chodansu reflects this changing cultural landscape. Now, part of the Mauna Kea’s large collection of Edo and Meiji-period Japanese storage vessels, this piece has forgotten its functionality, instead decoratively adorning our corridors. Its presence here both speaks to the historical evolution of Japanese craftsmanship, and invites viewers to consider where purpose and artistry meet. This treasured piece has been in the Mauna Kea's collection since 1965, when Laurance Rockefeller developed the hotel, and has recently undergone an extensive restoration.Artwork Details
Medium
WoodMade/Created
Artist
Artist unknownDate made
1868 - 1912Place
Country
JapanContinent
AsiaDimensions
Height
39-1/2 inWidth
22-3/4 inLength
42-3/8 inLocation
Area
Promenade CorridorFloor
Promenade LevelBuilding
Main TowerOffsite