Samurai Spirit in a Storage Unit

Sep 1, 2025

Japanese lacquer furniture, woodworking, metalwork

「EP.68」仙台箪笥

SENDAI TANSU
Miyagi Prefecture

「transcript」

Born from the needs of the Date (伊達) clan’s samurai for compact storage chests designed to hold swords, armor, clothing, and vital documents, the Sendai Tansu took shape. Also known as a yarō-dansu (野郎箪笥), these sturdy chests were practical yet commanding, perfectly suited to the life of a warrior.

The structure is built with a technique called sashimono (指物), using interlocking wooden joints that slide perfectly into place without nails. The best chests fit so precisely that when one drawer is pushed in firmly, the air pressure gently pushes another drawer out.

Then lacquer is applied layer by layer to create a deep, mirror-like finish that glows with age.

Most distinctive is the elaborate metalwork, forged and hammered into motifs of dragons, peonies, and lions, echoing the pride and protection of the samurai spirit. These metalwork craftsmen hit metal more than 20,000 times day, a skill now only known by 5 individuals.

Sendai Tansu are still cherished as heirlooms passed down through generations, and new smaller variants and TV boards are also made to fit the modern lifestyle.

*The assets featured here are the work of their rightful creators, credited below