Antique Japanese Meiji Era Suzuribako Calligraphy Tansu Keyaki Wood 12”

This is a 140 year old antique Japanese suzuribako from the late Meiji Era c. 1880's. This suzuribako (portable calligraphy tansu) has three drawers and a lidded top section, made of solid Keyaki (Zelkova) case and Kiri (paulowina) wood interiors. The metal hardware is hand forged iron.

Length = 12"

Width = 8"

Height = 8.5"

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.