Tansu Gothic-Measures 15″ W x 25″ T x 6″ D. This structure was made with paper, hand painted by the artist. Randi made over 300 pieces of handmade hardware with over 800 metal brads for this piece. It took 8 months to draw, make models and finish this structure. It consists of 6 boxes, 11 drawers and 2 piano hinged doors. Inside the compartments, drawers and boxes are handmade books containing facts, drawings and historical stories about tansu cabinetry.
This piece is inspired by the Japanese cabinetry, Tansu. These pieces were first made in the 17th century as portable chests to hold personal items, clothes, firewood, money and much more. Many were made with secret compartments under lock and key, sometimes with reinforced security hardware. The secret compartments, gorgeous texture, hardware and impeccable craftsmanship are what attract me to them. I do not claim to be in the same league as these master makers, but the influence is unmistakable. For more information on Japanese Tansu cabinetry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tansu |
Tansu Gothic on Tumbler: http://artzbooks.tumblr.com