Came across this hardware today up for auction. I dont know about you, but when I was purchasing reproduction hardware for the cabinets I made, I was shocked at the prices. This guy starts his bidding at 24.99 for the lot, I paid that for one drawer pull. What we have here is a collection of warabite hikite (drawer pulls), various tooshi-zagane (back plates), some modern looking locks, keys, hinges, and what looks like keyhole collars or maybe zagane (escutheons). The handles are probably machine made due to their age, early 1900′s. If I was still making furniture I would probably pick this up if just for inventory.

I came across this Funa Dansu (sea chest) on eBay today and I must say I’m in love. I believe this to be a prime example of Kakesuzuri style. What piqued my interest was the sliding cover on the lockplate, I haven’t seen this before. Its made from Keyaki (Zelkova) and Sugi (Japanese Cedar) with an ample amount of Ironware. It has a hidden box and a hidden drawer. I love Funa Dansu because these were Tansu that were to be carried on board ships and were made sturdily to endure the ravages of ocean transport, so much so that they could reportedly be tied to silken line and thrown overboard to evade pirate seizure; the ironware provided enough weight as to invert the chest and trap air inside, therefore providing buoyancy. Asking price is $4,800.00, I think they might get it eventually as this is a beautiful piece.