Two Japanese Tansu Chests

19th/20th century, both with iron fittings, smaller example with black painted exterior, hinged lidded top opening to shallow interior compartment with inkstone, two small drawers (one locking) over one long drawer, 9 x 7-3/4 x 11-5/8 in.; larger example with lidded top opening to interior compartment, two small drawers (one locking) over three graduated drawers (oneÿlocking), side carrying handles, with key, 19 x 9 x 16-1/4 in. - Provenance: Private Collection, Asheville, North Carolina
Condition Report: surface dirt layer and accretion, scattered cracks, separations, and small edge chips throughout, rust and corrosion to iron fittings, some elements loose; smaller example with scattered paint loss, lock on drawer not functioning, missing key; larger example with some buckling to banding, lock on upper drawer not functioning and missing key, lock on lower drawer possibly broken (unable to open drawer at time of inspection)