Funa-dansu or ships chest. Funa dansu were captains chests used to store coinage, and shipping papers for small freight ships plying the inland Japanese sea. They were small and constructed of lacquered Japanese elm and almost fireproof and with heavy iron hardware. The example here with heavy, original ironwork. All components in proper working order.

Early 19^th century (Edo period), Japan

15½" height x 18½" width x 17½" depth