Antique Japanese Keyaki Wood Suzuribako Calligraphy Tansu Chest

This is a 130 year old antique Japanese suzuribako from the mid Meiji Era (c. 1890). This suzuribako (portable calligraphy tansu) has two drawers and a lidded top section, made of solid Keyaki (zelkova) wood. The metal hardware is hand forged iron.

Suzuribako were used as portable accounting chests (the forerunner of the attache' case). Also known as a calligraphy chest as it housed an ink stone, brushes, ink stick, and paper. Keyaki (zelkova) wood was the wood of choice for such a chest being strong as well as having a beautiful grain pattern. This chest still has its original hand rubbed lacquer finish over persimmon tannin stain.

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) with brushes. The lidded top swings open to reveal the area where the ink stone was once housed (see picture 10).  The lidded top opens by pushing a side button and closes securely when the lid is closed (see picture 11). The top handle is still very secure and provides a convenient way to transport this chest (see picture 1). All drawers open and close smoothly. The double hinged lidded top swings open and closes easily.

All drawers open smoothly and the lidded top opens/closes with ease. Along with a century old warm patina this suzuribako tansu re chest remains in fine original antique condition.

This Suzuribako chest measures 7" wide by 8 '' tall by 10" deep (18 x 20 x 25 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 keyaki wood and its century old original patina.