Antique Japanese Kannon Biraki Clothing Chest on Chest - Meiji Period c.1890

Antique Japanese Kannon Biraki clothing chest on chest, Meiji period (circa 1890). A fine and elegant Japanese Kannon Biraki tansu of pleasing colour, crafted from lightweight paulownia wood and dating from the Meiji period. The upper section is fitted with a pair of hinged doors opening to reveal interior storage, above a well-proportioned arrangement of drawers below. The chest displays traditional Japanese joinery throughout and retains a warm, naturally aged surface with a quiet, understated character. The piece is constructed in two sections, allowing it to be used either stacked as a chest-on-chest or separated and displayed as a pair of individual chests, offering considerable versatility. Accompanied by two later bespoke-made plinths. Kannon Biraki chests take their name from the distinctive outward-opening doors, inspired by the architectural doors of Buddhist temples dedicated to Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. This form emerged at the end of the Edo period and became particularly popular during the Meiji era, reflecting a balance of spiritual symbolism and practical design. Such chests were traditionally used for clothing storage and are admired today for their restrained beauty, lightness of construction and cultural significance.