Japanese homes were traditionally sparely furnished. Katana-dansu, sword storage chests, were a class-determined piece of furniture particular to the samurai. Tansu cabinets of all types were usually kept in the family kura (warehouse) and rarely in the home itself, however the katana-dansu was occasionally kept in the samurai home, and if not kept in the tokonoma (art alcove) itself, could act as a secondary tokonoma often with a katana-kake, a sword rack placed on top to hold the residents’ swords at the ready while at home. Like most Edo period pieces, as conspicuous consumption was discouraged, these katana-dansu were usually of simple construction, well made by expert carpenters and featuring elegant decorative metalwork to protect the corners, edges and on the front mounted single action locking devices. Hand forged iron hikikite drawer handles and mochiokuri carrying rings were fitted at either end to ensure portability. Construction usually consisted of straight dovetail joinery and was fastened with hardened wood or bamboo pin nails.