Antique Japanese Meiji Era (C1900) Kiri Wood Suzuribako Calligraphy Tansu Chest

This is a 120 year old antique Japanese suzuribako from the late Meiji Era (c. 1900). 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 copper.

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. Kiri (paulownia) was the wood of choice being strong and light weight. This chest still has its original hand rubbed lacquer finish and deep century old patina. Made with wooden pin construction (see picture 11).

All drawer interiors have names and addresses of the original owner (see picture 10).

The method of construction as well as the forged copper work on this chest dates it to the late Meiji Era (c. 1900) or even earlier. 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 pictures 7 & 8).

The lidded top opens by pushing a side button and simultaneously pulling the top handle toward the button and at the same time pulling the top handle toward it (see picture 9). It 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 triple hinged lidded top swings open and closes easily.

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

This Suzuribako chest measures 6 1/2" wide by 7 '' tall by 9 1/2" deep (16.5 x 17.5 x 24 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 sugi wood and its century and a half old original patina.