Kaidan Dansu

comments (8) October 15th, 2009 in Reader's Gallery

Curteshelman Curteshelman, member
thumbs up 22 users recommend
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Japanese chests were sometimes made as stairs to a loft, a Kaidan Dansu. This one is 80" tall and was constructed of wood from a soft maple tree that fell in my yard.  Spalting is shown on the clear drawer sides. The top section of three steps rotates over if you want it rectangular. In the kaidan format, a box carved with a Japanese version of my name is removed to form the first step. The finish is distressed to make the steps look worn, then red, clear, and black finishes. The black is sanded off to reveal the red, then a couple more coats of clear. Most of the hardware is from Chisler Hardware, but the escutcheon shown I modeled after a pattern of his.


Design or Plan used: My Own Design - Curt Eshelman
posted in: Reader's Gallery, dovetails, maple, chest, asian inspired, steel, brass
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Comments (8)

saw5ft saw5ft writes: how many time for this wonder?
Posted: 5:09 pm on October 28th

Jurgen01 Jurgen01 writes: This is a wonderful execution of tansu design in the classical style. This piece is a real treasure and the finish makes it look like it belongs in a museum. Terrific work!
Posted: 8:04 pm on October 27th

bustndust bustndust writes: Well done. I love Kaidan Dansu and hope to build one in the near future. I like the way you finished it and the kanji (sp?) of you name is a nice touch.
Posted: 1:32 am on October 22nd

mokusakusensei mokusakusensei writes: Jozu da yo!
That means really skillful. Beautiful application.
Posted: 6:53 pm on October 20th

Curteshelman Curteshelman writes: Thanks for the kind words. Shavins, I would recommend the book Traditional Japanese Furniture by Kazuko Koizumi. The introductory essay discusses "floor-level lifestyle." Other elements: Asymmetry I got. Simplicity I probably failed at. It was fun to design. Note larger drawers above smaller ones and vertical elements don't line up.
Posted: 9:17 am on October 16th

johnrandall johnrandall writes: I like its sturdy, rough hewn appearance. And I'm guessing it feels good and smooth to the touch.
Posted: 4:35 am on October 16th

robinj40 robinj40 writes: Good work. That is beautiful
Posted: 9:57 pm on October 15th

Shavins Shavins writes: brilliant looking piece.
I am soon to undertake a practical project on Japanese woodworking, just wondering after seeing this if you would have any pointers?
Thanks
Brian
Posted: 9:30 pm on October 15th

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