ANTIQUE JAPANESE MEIJI ERA (c.1880) SUGI WOOD SUZURIBAKO CALLIGRAPHY TANSU CHEST

Description

This is a 140 year old
antique Japanese suzuribako from the mid Meiji
Era (c. 1880). This
suzuribako
(portable calligraphy tansu) has two
drawers and a lidded top section,
made of solid
sugi
(cryptomeria) wood.  All the metal hardware is hand forged iron.  It comes complete with operable lock and key (see picture 11).
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.
sugi
(cryptomeria) was the wood of choice being strong and light weight. This chest still has its original deep century old patina. Made with wooden pin construction (see last picture).
T
he method of construction as well as all the forged iron work o
n this chest dates it to the mid to mid Meiji  Era (c. 1880) or even earlier.
All drawer handles, hinges, and latches are made of thick forged iron with a protective coat of burnt lacquer. 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 2 & 3).
The lidded top opens by pushing a button (see picture 3). 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 hinged lidded top swing
s open and closes easily.
All drawers open smoothly and the lidded top opens/closes with ease.  Along with a century old warm patina t
his chest remains in
fine
original antique
condition.
This
Suzuribako
chest measures 13" wide by 10'' tall by 9" deep (33 x 25.5 x 23 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.
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.
Shoguns
and the
Shogun's Gallery of Portland, Oregon
have been in the Japanese antique business for over 40 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.