It was often found in merchants and farmers dwellings. In those days, they were among the few owning a two-storeyed house. The 'staircase' was used to reach their stock on the upper floor while the 'chest' was used as a storage unit.

Contrary to the isho-dansu, the kaidan-dansu is quite sober as it was designed to merge in the merchant' s house. Generally, it was rather deep in order to make the transport of goods to the next floor easier. The height varied according to its purpose (floor or mezzanine).

At present, the kaidan is highly valued by the Japanese furniture amateurs and is among the most expensive one. The vast majority of antiques found in Japan nowadays dates back to the 19th century.

ID Card

Genuine / Fake ?

Today more than 60% of the kaidan marketed are reproductions. They are mainly made in South Korea and China (with recent or ancient wood).
These reproductions are often in 3 parts and are two-sided (which is quite uncommon in the antiques). Moreover, they are less deep (less than 60 cm - more commercial) than the genuine ones. They are also more decorated and have more ironworks.
In France and England they are some "antiques factories" specialized in accurate imitation of kaidan (even worm holes).

As far as a genuine piece of furniture is concerned, the sides of the drawers should be pegged or nailed with hand made nails. The bottom of the drawers should be naturally worn. The steps should be normally patinated (not too much worn away) as the staircase was used barefoot or in socks.

When it is a small size kaidan, check if it is not a part of a larger one (rectangular traces of holes which are used for the fitting of the different parts).

Other Pictures

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