ANTIQUE JAPANESE KEYAKI WOOD SUZURIBAKO CALLIGRAPHY TANSU CHEST^^

Description

This is a 100 year old
antique Japanese suzuribako from the late Meiji
Era (c. 1910).  This
suzuribako
(portable calligraphy tansu) has three
drawers and a lidded top section,
made of solid
Keyaki
(zelkova) wood.  The metal hardware is hand forged iron.  It has a presentation date on the bottom (see picture 7) which is from the 5th year of Showa (1931) but judging from the hand forged metal and construction methods it is felt that this chest dates to the late Meiji Era (c.1910) and was probably presented to a second owner with the marks seen on the bottom. In addition, there is a signature on the side of one of the drawers (see picture 11) with one of the owners names.
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 pictures 8 & 11).
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 1). All drawers open and close smoothly. The double 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 6 1/2" wide by 7 '' tall by 10" deep (16.5 x 17.5 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.
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.
Sailerking
and the Shogun's Gallery of Portland, Oregon have been in the Japanese antique business for over 38 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.