Kanso House
Antique 3 Drawer Japanese Suzuri Bako Calligraphy Box
Antique 3 Drawer Japanese Suzuri Bako Calligraphy Box
Couldn't load pickup availability
A beautiful antique Japanese calligraphy box, called a Suzuri Bako.
DETAILS
- Dating to the early Meiji period (middle of the 19th Century).
- The top opens via a push button clasp. It has a handle on top to carry the box.
- All drawers open freely. It has one drawer with a lock plate, there is no key but it is unlocked.
- Made from lacquered cypress wood, with Iron hardware.
- It still has ink stains on the inside from use. These can be cleaned off with water, but we prefer to leave the authentic patina of age and use.
DIMENSIONS
Measures 30cm long x 21cm wide x 24cm tall Weighs approx 2.5kgs
HISTORY
Used in Japan by merchants and scribes for carrying implements for writing, brushes, ink, inkstones and paper.
We find these boxes incredibly useful even today. We have one for gardening tools and another one for pens and pencils.

All you need to know
Shipping
We dispatch all orders within 2 business days via Australia Post. For extra large items, we may use a courier and will communicate with you about the options.
CHRISTMAS POSTAGE CUTOFF DATES
16 December for Standard Shipping
21 December for Express Shipping
Standard shipping costs (Australia):
- $0- $100 order: $10
- $100-$200 order: $20
- $200+ order: FREE SHIPPING
Standard Post takes 3-8 days to arrive to Australian destinations.
Express Post takes 1-2 days, unless there are delays due to peak postal times (ie Christmas).
You will be notified of any delays from our end (prior to shipping) as soon as possible.
Once shipped, you will receive a tracking number so you can check the AusPost website for arrival details.
More shipping details.
Returns
If you are not satisfied with your purchase or your product is damaged? We’ll take care of it.
The promises we keep:
- 30 days of reflection after receiving the product.
- Need an exchange? We will send you the new product within 4 business days of the day of receipt.
- Would you prefer us to refund your money? We will refund you within 3 days of receipt.
More return details.
About us
Kanso House is an online store, occasionally hosting popups in Victoria, Australia.
We are a family run small business with a passion for beautiful functional objects.
We're here to help with any questions
You can chat live using the ? icon in the bottom right of your screen, or email us at hello@kansohouse.com.au and we'll reply within 24 hours.
Let customers speak for us
from 42 reviewsI have a love of maple leaves and this is a charmer. What a perfect size to serve olives or some other tasty treat. Candice and Daniel have great eyes for lovely pieces. Thank you once again.
Lovely airy and sweet sandalwood aroma, can burn stick after stick in a small room in the middle of the night and not disturb anyone else and not get overwhelmed by it.
I've tried a fair bit of Japanese incense and this is by far my smoothest experience yet.
Very more-ish. Also, I can't praise Kanso House enough, they are amazing, their service and presentation is beyond impeccable.
Everyone needs a bit more space to tuck things away and this small handsome ko-tansu fits the purpose beautifully. The Japanese are so brilliant designing something that is small, elegant and functional. I'm very pleased with my new helper!
Hi! My friend bought this whisk and it’s beautiful! I was wondering when it would be back in stock? I’d like to get as a Christmas gift!
Cute as a button, just love looking at the tiny piece of art
Love the look and feel of these hand made pieces, each piece different
Delightful piece for all sorts of stuff
Perfect for sweeping crumbs off my kitchen bench
This miniature Bizen vase is absolutely WONDERFUL. I can't understand why they haven't all flown to new homes. Beautifully crafted, perfect form, wonderful glaze lovely presence. I was tempted to buy all of them but I didn't want to be greedy. I may get over that feeling.
Exquisite humanity in single square inch of this Japanese utilitarian artefact. Touched our hearts when we unwrapped the parcel and there was a handwritten note, describing some of the provenance and how prized it had been previously by the owners of Kanso House.
Loved and enjoyed using these sake cups. I ordered the red color, and they look so good!
This is a beautiful piece and surprisingly larger than expected. Adore it.
I do look for the unusual decorative pieces and Kanso House do not disappoint.
Beautiful quality pottery, looks great, works well.
Beautiful Japanese calligraphy box! Thank you 😊