What should I do with this kodansu?
Hi folks, I picked up an antique kodansu and I'm wondering whether to do anything with it in terms of restoration or not. I always loved tansu chests, but never owned one before. It looks to me like kiri wood with brass (?) hardware. There's a lot of patina and signs of use. I am usually a minimalist with my antiques, but I clean and wax the wood. With this one, I am not sure whether to do anything at all.
This kodansu has been through things. It has damage, the dowel construction is reinforced by modern steel nails. The drawers open and close fine. Two drawers were lined in modern green felt, and stored old fabric; I found evidence of the green felt having been chewed by something at some point. I did not see any larvae or anything. I threw out the fabric pieces, tore off the felt, and vacuumed the drawers. I think it's ok now in terms of pests, but I also did not clean it with any chemicals or do anything else with it, because of the porous kiri. I wiped the chest with dry cloth, but that's about it.
Would appreciate any thoughts/information you have about this chest, and whether or not I should do something (e.g. should I wax it, and if so, with what; anything else I should do about the potential pest issue) or leave it as is.
I intend to store stationery items inside.
