Kanso House
Antique Edo Period Japanese Suzuri Bako Calligraphy Box with Secret Compartment
Antique Edo Period Japanese Suzuri Bako Calligraphy Box with Secret Compartment
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0/5.0 star reviews
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A large and early example of a kiri (Paulownia) wood Suzuri Bako Calligraphy box dating to the late edo period. (Early to mid 19th Century)
Used in Japan by merchants and scribes for carrying implements for writing, brushes, ink, inkstones and paper. The locked draw would often be used to keep money or valuables.
Featuring 3 drawers, 1 larger drawer would have been used to keep paper and possibly an abacus, whilst the unlocked narrow drawer would have been used for writing implements, brushes etc. The Large drawer and unlocked drawers have separated sections.
The locked drawer as mentioned would have been used to keep money and valuables. There is no key but the drawer is unlocked and can be opened by pulling the lock plate.
What makes this box even more special is that there is a secret compartment behind the locked drawer. When you pull the locked drawer out, hiding behind it is a small box which would have kept more valuable. There is actually a small slot in the top section of the box which lines up with this secret drawer, so perhaps it was for depositing small coins or coins of high value. This type of secret drawer is often found in ships chests but not often seen in suzuri bako.
On the top there is an open section which would have originally housed the suzuri, Japanese ink stone used for grinding ink, it also acts as an ink well. As is the case with most suzuri bako, you can see evidince of use from ink stains in the top.
The Iron work is of a high qulaity with a nice fan design on the lock plate as well as what look like heart shaped cut outs on the corner plates. Except they are not hearts but rather protective "inome" (boar’s-eye). Inome have been used in Japan for over 1000 years as a protective symbol warding off evil and bringing good fortune.
In good condition for age. The clasp holding the top lid has unfortunately broken which is common on these boxes. The lid closes fine, it just means It cant be carried by the top handle.
We find these boxes incredibly useful even today. We have one for gardening tools and another one for pens and pencils.
Larger size, last picture shows it in comparison to another suzuri we have listed.
Measures 22cm wide x 33.5cm x 26cm

Let customers speak for us
from 66 reviewsIt’s difficult to describe the magic of this little vessel. Its radial stripes are a match for a small brown limpet shell I picked up on the beach, and knew this would be a joy. Sort of places it in the cosmos. A long life of enjoyment I hope, in which the genmai tastes great.
The glazing of the vase is so pretty, much better than I expected. Although it’s a tiny damage, but it doesn’t affect my wabi-sabi ikebana
Great little box that is just perfect to store all my folded cranes that a have been accumulating , waiting to be made into a crane chain. Thank you Kanso House for your great eyes!
I absolutely adore this ledger! So glad it is full of writing too. I love having historical items like this, that someone once spent a lot of time using and writing in. Item was also sent very well packaged too. Thank you Kanso House!
i have made two purchases from Kanso House and love both items. They arrived promptly and really well packed and secure. I love the descriptions provided on all items it brings their history alive and makes me want to learn more!
I also love the Origami cranes which accompany each item!
Can’t wait to acquire more from Kanso House
This cup is SO beautiful. I love using it for coffee in the morning. The folks at Kanso House kindly and quickly relaxed me the saucer when it broke on route to me. Thank you to the maker and to Kanso. I enjoy this so much.
Very happy with my purchase. Item exactly as described, just need to buy a vintage pipe to complete the look 😳
Beautiful quality. Even more beautiful in real life than on the website. Shipped and wrapped very well, it arrived without any damage. Thank you, fantastic service.
Really nice vintage item, exactly as described. Very pleased with purchase.
What a lovely, large strainer basket in such beautiful condition. The essence of shibui, hand craftsmanship, natural beautiful aged colour, visually pleading on both sides so you can display many ways. Arigato!
I love them! Small, tactile, charming, lovely green and brown glass melding together in beautiful patterns. They just fit in your hands so perfectly. Thank you Kanso House for your brilliant eyes.
So happy with my purchase of a Daikoku and Ebisu plaque. I have wanted one for many years but always to heavy to carry home in my already overflowing suitcases of other goodies. the service and quick delivery from the team at Kanso House is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Received this beautifully carved fish cake mould and was a bit surprised on its size and weight. I have had them before and they were always smaller. I failed to read the dimensions so I got. a happy surprise. The handle has a lovely patina from being handled over the years. Thank you Kanso House!
I purchased 3 x Contemporary Japanese Ceramic Horned Vases
They arrived well packaged and with a lovely thank you note and little hand made origami bird.
The vases themselves are beautiful and in great condition.
Thank you Kanso House I will be shopping with you again .
I purchased two of these bags and they are absolutely amazing!
Love them!
Genuine Antiques and Vintage from Japan
We hand pick our Antiques and Vintage items from Japan. We scour temple markets, antique shops and visit Antique dealers to find the most interesting and beautiful objects we can. We focus on authenticity, style and construction. Ensuring that you are getting the very best from Japan.
A lifetime of use
Patina
Patina is something earned over years of use and care, we like to leave it on as much as possible as it adds to the authenticity and story of each piece. Daniel has been restoring Japanese Antiques for 25 years, over that time he has learned both traditional and modern techniques for repairing and caring for treasured pieces.
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All of our pieces are guaranteed original and authentic, each piece is researched to ensure our descriptions are as accurate as possible. We love history and discovering all about the artefacts we uncover for you.
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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.
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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.
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