An antique Japanese Kake Suzuribako (aka calligraphy merchant box) made of Kuri (Chestnut) wood. All original finish and hand forged iron hardware. Hinged lid opens to a storage area where an inkstone and Sumi (ink sticks) were kept. The remainder of the top has a slot where coins were inserted to be kept in the upper drawer out of the sight of wondering eyes. Two additional drawers were used to keep calligraphy brushes and Washi paper used for writing. The handle atop this important daily merchant tool was used to carry this box to various locations.

Age: Meiji period (1880-1890)

Dimensions: 11 1/2" Long by 6 7/8" Wide by 8" High