A unusual traveling apothecary chest (kusuri dansu). The dark lacquered small, hinged chest sealed with a metal latch. Each side of the chest holding a large assortment of small drawers, for the storage of traditional herbs and medicinal ingredients used in the preparation of medicines, within a gold lacquered frame. The majority small square drawers for storing herbs and larger drawers for equipment or larger components. Japanese medicine is a directly descendant of the Chinese tradition where the approach taken is to seek to rebalance the patient's chi(vital energy). This is done by blending various medicinal ingredients based on the symptoms and effected organs of the patient.
Edo Period (1600-1868)
15” wide closed (30” wide open) x 9 ¾” wide x 12 ¼” high
