Shōwa Traditional Tsuzura Kimono Basket, Japan, 1920s

A Tsuzura (筒簓) is a type of bamboo-woven clothing basket or chest, finished with wood and lacquer, with the interior lined with rice paper.

This piece dates back to the early Shōwa era and is in very good condition.

The former owner’s name is inscribed in red Japanese calligraphy on the basket.

Dimensions: height 56 cm, width 80 cm, depth 41 cm.

Tsuzura were first crafted by artisans in Kanda, Tokyo, during the early Genroku period. Although there were over 250 Tsuzura stores all across Japan at the beginning of the Showa era, only two stores remain in Tokyo today. Tsuzura serves as a container for kimonos and accessories but is also used for interior decoration.

The Tsuzura is designed with a focus on functionality and aesthetics, aligning with the principles of simplicity and natural beauty often associated with Japanese culture.