Antique Japanese Meiji Era c1880's Sugi Wood Suzuribako Calligraphy Tansu Chest 10"

This is a 120 year old antique Japanese suzuribako from the late Meiji Era c. 1900. This suzuribako (portable calligraphy tansu) has two drawers and a lidded top section, made of solid Sugi (Japanese cedar) wood. The metal hardware is hand forged iron.

Length = 10"

Width = 7"

Height = 8"

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.  The lidded top opens by pushing a side button and closes securely when the lid is closed. The top handle is still very secure and provides a convenient way to transport this chest. All drawers open and close smoothly. The quadruple 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..