Antique Japanese c1880’s Kiri Wood Suzuribako Calligraphy Tansu Chest 11" Vase and green accents

and green accents

Please refer to photos for detailed condition and carving quality

Their strong sculptural presence and expressive faces lend them striking display power

gyoshobako are considered one of most collectable tansu chests

Antique Japanese c1880’s Kiri Wood Suzuribako Calligraphy Tansu Chest 11" Vase and green accentsThis is a 150 year old antique Japanese suzuribako from the late Meiji Era (c. 1880s). This suzuribako (portable calligraphy tansu) has three drawers and a lidded top section, made of solid Kiri (paulowina) wood. The metal hardware is hand forged iron. 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)