Karabitsu, storage chest, Japan, Edo period The karabitsu (literally, Chinese chest) is a rectangular-lidded chest standing on four legs. It is made of lacquered wood with a nashiji base, decorated in gold, black and red hira maki e on the lid with a hoho amid kiri flowers. The circumference of the chest is decorated with branches and kiri flowers in the same technique. The interior is covered with blue embroidered silk featuring floral motifs. The feet are adorned with chased copper-alloy kanamono. Similar kanamono on the body support and secure the maruhimo (closing cord) around the chest. H. 52 cm - W. 116 cm - D. 63 cm (accidents)