Antique Japanese Meiji Shodo Calligraphy Kakesuzuri Bako

Dimensions: 9-1/4” H x 8-1/2” W x 12-1/2” L 

An antique Japanese portable calligraphy box (Kakesuzuri Bako) made of Hinoki (cypress)wood. All original hardware is hand forged iron, a protective blacken burnt lacquer, and a locking drawer and working key. The hinged top lid opens smoothly, providing easy access to the ink pan and space for a ledger book. The box features a small drawer with a lock, where accountants would securely store money collected from borrowers. Two additional small drawers are designed to hold essential tools of the trade, such as brushes, a calligraphy inkstone, and ink sticks (not included), making this box a multifunctional piece that was integral to the daily operations of a calligrapher/businessman (the basis for the cash drawer & lock, (key not provided) in the Meiji-Taisho era.

Condition: Very Good, hand crafted, and functions as intended. Being vintage and not refurbished the box retaining its two and half century old warm patina and remains in fine original antique condition. It shows some old woodworm beetle tunnels, which look clean, with no structural damage. The hardware is worn and tattered from aging and use but fully functional.