ANTIQUE JAPANESE MEIJI ERA c1870 KIRI WOOD SUZURIBAKO CALLIGRAPHY TANSU CHEST^^

Description

This is a 150 year old
antique Japanese suzuribako from the early Meiji
Era (c. 1870).  This
suzuribako
(portable calligraphy tansu) has three
drawers and a lidded top section,
made of solid
Kiri
(paulownia) wood.  The metal hardware is hand forged iron.  It uses old world craftsmanship with all wooden peg construction (see picture 11).
Suzuribako were used as portable accounting chests (the forerunner of the modern attache' case). Also known as a calligraphy chest as it housed an ink stone, brushes, ink stick, and paper.
Kiri
(paulownia) wood was the wood of choice for such a chest being strong as well light weight. This chest still has its original century and a half patina.
This chest was used to hold calligraphy and writing materials, as well as, money and valuables. The lidded top section was used for the storage and use of
suzuri
(ink stone)(included)(see pictures 6 & 7) and brushes.
The lidded top swings open to reveal the area where the included ink stone is housed (see pictures 6 & 7).
The lidded top opens by pushing a side button (see picture 9) and closes securely when the lid is closed. The top handle is still very secure and provides a convenient way to transport this chest (see picture 2). All drawers open and close smoothly. The double hinged lidded top swing
s open and closes easily.  The locking drawer is still operable with key (see picture 10).
All drawers open smoothly and the lidded top opens/closes with ease.  Along with a  century and a half old warm patina t
his chest remains in
fine
original antique
condition.
This
Suzuribako
chest measures 6 1/2" wide by 8'' tall by 10 3/4" deep (17 x 20 x 27 cm).
A very warm accent for your home or office. Great to hold pens, as well as, remote controls for the TV and stereo.  Please enjoy the enlarged pictures to get a full appreciation of the fine
Kiri
wood and its century and a half old original patina.
You'll love it, I guarantee it
.........If you purchase this item and are not completely delighted with it, you may return it for a no questions asked, refund within 30 days of receipt.
Sailerking
and the Shogun's Gallery of Portland, Oregon have been in the Japanese antique business for over 38 years, and highly value our customers. Satisfaction Guarantee: All items are carefully described and photographed. If not completely delighted with any item it may be returned in original condition for refund of purchase price, less actual shipping cost. Most items listed are antiques, and as such may have an expected amount of wear from normal use. We do not sell items with major flaws without mentioning it in the listing. See photos and descriptions for condition. Returns must be shipped back within 30 days of receipt. Buyer assumes all shipping fees. If you have specific questions about the item or condition, please feel free to ask before bidding and we will make every effort to respond promptly.
International buyers are responsible for any customs duties, taxes, etc. imposed by the buyer's home country.