Summary of Specification Tables for "Miscellaneous Wooden Chests" in "Furniture Official Price List" and Examples from Okawa and Fuchu

Clarification of Characteristics of Design and Technology of Utility Furniture in Wartime Japan: Miscellaneous Wooden Chest of Drawers (1)

Abstract

In specification tables for "Miscellaneous Wooden Chest of Drawers" in "Furniture Official Price List," there are classifications according to (a) Width and height dimensions, (b) Front board species grades, (c) Side board structure, and (d) Top board thickness and drawer numbers. The detailed specifications are established by combinations of factors from each classification. The most important aspect is species of wood used for front and side boards. Wood species used for front boards were not limited to Keyaki, but included a wide variety of broadleaf trees. Historical miscellaneous wooden chests remain in Okawa, Fukuoka, and Fuchu, Hiroshima, which were once major production areas of those chests.