The images here will help in understanding how the locks on tansu chests operate and provide a close up of interior lock components. In the older “floriate” button locks, the button is pushed up, and locks the drawer by releasing a central steel bar with two springy legs. Keys are used to unlock by clasping […]
A client asked that I restore this Kanto, or Tokyo style chest on chest, that had been painted. Hardware was removed, paint was stripped, and work begun. Slowly all nail holes were filled and hardware re-affixed. The kiri or paulownia was refinished.
A suite of pieces came to the shop needing major TLC and refinishing. A merchant chest and clothing chest needed door repairs, another clothing chest required lock plates affixed, and a naga hibachi needed a face lift.
This clothing chest sat in water during a shipment from Buenos Aires to Miami and sustained damage to both wood and finish. It consisted of cleaning with a bleach solution and distilled water. Next were plenty of wood repairs, such as the scarfed angled wood piece to the older pack panel — and lots of
David Jackson has a passion for Japanese woodwork. The following selection represents various Japanese cabinetry designs he has restored. He is at home with various mingei objects as well, from shop signs, shrines, carvings to tools.
Restoration of Larry’s Sendai Hardware
