Reading from the right hand side downwards: Showa 16th year, second month. (February, 1941, the sixteenth year of the reign of Hirohito) below that seems to be the name of a Japanese city that I do not recognize.
On the left hand side appears to be the brand name of a business that sells silk items, most likely kimonos. I can see how this design is very similar to Toshio Odate’s toolchest, but a few details argue against that. The metal handles are decorative and would not bear much weight, certainly not a chest full of tools. Odate’s toolchest has builtin handholds that reinforce the frame. The corners also are far more decorative than functional on a chest that would have been schlepped from worksite to worksite against one’s hip or on a shoulder.
I think the evidence is clear that this chest was made to protect valuable textiles, but it is also likely that it served other functions in its 70 years of existence.
Reading from the right hand side downwards: Showa 16th year, second month. (February, 1941, the sixteenth year of the reign of Hirohito) below that seems to be the name of a Japanese city that I do not recognize.
On the left hand side appears to be the brand name of a business that sells silk items, most likely kimonos. I can see how this design is very similar to Toshio Odate’s toolchest, but a few details argue against that. The metal handles are decorative and would not bear much weight, certainly not a chest full of tools. Odate’s toolchest has builtin handholds that reinforce the frame. The corners also are far more decorative than functional on a chest that would have been schlepped from worksite to worksite against one’s hip or on a shoulder.
I think the evidence is clear that this chest was made to protect valuable textiles, but it is also likely that it served other functions in its 70 years of existence.