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SENDAI-TANSU (TRADITIONAL JAPANESE CABINETS) ON DISPLAY

May 21 @ 12:38 am

For a limited time, you can see traditional, handmade Japanese cabinets (tansu) made by Monmaya at RESOBOX!

What is Sendai-tansu?

There are many theories as to its beginning, but it is generally said that the Sendai-tansu’s origin dates back to when the samurai Masamune had ruled the Sendai region. The chief carpenter of that domain, Hyuga Umemura, was commissioned to build Sendai-tansu as furniture to put into Masamune’s castle.

The Sendai-tansu’s characteristic is the strong durable beauty that is the joint artistry of cabinetwork, lacquer, and metal fitting into one form. In the cabinetwork, the front is made of Keyaki (a form of Zelkova) aged from ten years to a few decades and the inside is made using Kiri (commonly known as Empress tree) to avoid deformation. The laquering and polishing is repeated thirty times over in layers. Finally, it is complete after being adorned with metal fittings that have representations associated with good fortune or the family emblem as motifs.

Refurbishing Process

Here's a tansu that's in pretty rough shape. It's over 100 years old.
Here’s a tansu that’s in pretty rough shape. It’s over 100 years old.
First, the metallic embellishments are removed, given a rust-proofing and a coat of new paint.
First, the metallic embellishments are removed, given a rust-proofing and a coat of new paint.
Next, the old lacquer is stripped from the tansu, revealing its original wooden exterior.
Next, the old lacquer is stripped from the tansu, revealing its original wooden exterior.
Finally, the tansu is given a new coat of lacquer, sharpening, and polish. This process is repeated 30 times.
Finally, the tansu is given new lacquer, sharpening, and polish. This process is repeated 30 times.
Here is the finished, repaired tansu. Except for the doors, all parts of the original tansu are present.
Here is the finished, repaired tansu. Except for the doors, all parts of the original tansu are present.

Until the early 1920s, Sendai-tansu manufacturing was mainly done through division of labor. It was the third successor Tamizo, who wanted the tansu craftsmen to carry out their craft with responsibility and pride. He began a system where one whole cabinet could be custom-made and repaired. Through this system, many craftsmen were trained to top standards. In inheriting his belief we continue to train craftsmen and manufacture indifferent to the past, as we must let such traditional skills be inherited to the future.

Details

  • Date: May 21, 2026
  • Time:
    12:38 am