Kanso House
Antique Japanese 19th Century Temple Collection or stamp Box - Saisen-bako
Antique Japanese 19th Century Temple Collection or stamp Box - Saisen-bako
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0/5.0 star reviews
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A really unusual and rare form of a temple collection box.
This is a really interesting one, I have not seen one before where the top of the box extends past the drawers like a protective cover. I wonder if perhaps it fitted into a larger unit that held multiple boxes like this?
Dating to the late 19th Century, Meiji Period. It is made from unlacquered sugi wood, (Japanese Cryptomeria) it features copper drawer handles and studs on the top, with an unusually heavy weight bronze handle on the top which feels really nice in the hand.
There is some kanji on the bottom and the drawers which helps us a little.
On the back It is very hard to read but says something along the lines of:
"Respectfully offered - Aso Village"
On the drawers sides there is some Kanji too, these say something along the lines of Sakuya-kanzō or Sakuya-no-kurazō which translates to:
“Storage (drawer) for Sakuya’s contribution / offering.” or “Sakuya’s collection compartment.”
Its possible that this box contained something related to a specific donation, perhaps some documents or something possibly valuable. Though the lack of lock suggest that it wasn't money. So perhaps the box contained records of donations. In any case its a curious and rare artifact from temple life.
Measures 17.5cm long x 11.5cm wide x 12cm tall

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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.
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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.
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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.
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I do look for the unusual decorative pieces and Kanso House do not disappoint.
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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.
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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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