Kanso House
Antique Japanese 3 Drawer Suzuri Bako Calligraphy Box
Antique Japanese 3 Drawer Suzuri Bako Calligraphy Box
βββββββΒ 5.0/5.0 star reviews
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A well 3 drawer small Suzuri-Bako Calligraphy Box.
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.Β
This one looks like its had a long life of use. Featuring 3 drawers, 2 small and 1 larger. As well as a section in the top accessible through a hinged lid.
This one has an interesting feature, added by the previous owner. In each of the 2 smaller drawers there is a hole. This lines up with a hole inside the top section of the box. By inserting a pin through the top and into these holes in the drawers the drawers can be prevented from opening. I'm noticing this more and more in merchant boxes.
It must have been a simple way of locking the drawers to prevent them falling out when carrying as well as an extra level of security.Β
Condition of the box is good but there are some issues to note.
The top lid has some minor warping and the middle hinge is broken, however this doesn't affect the operation of the top lid.Β
The front left draw originally had a lock which has been altered with another handle added.Β
The original clasp which held the top down looks like its been broken at some point and a hook clasp has been added.Β
All of these modifications and signs of use point to a life well lived, this was an actively used merchants box that served its previous owner well.Β
We find these boxes incredibly useful even today. We have one for gardening tools and another one for pens and pencils.
Measures 27.5cm long x 18.5cm wide x 19cm tallΒ

Let customers speak for us
from 54 reviewsSo 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 βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ
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!
I finished the year with these five little gems 'Japanese Blue stripe handmade glass.' in my collection . I couldn't be happier . Bravo Kanso House . Love what you do !
Item was as described and arrived promptly. I had a cork that actually fitted the hole at top so lucky me! Thank you - looked for one of these in Tokyo and Kyoto a couple months ago but no luck - I went away from tourist areas as well.
The product is amazing and transports you straight back to tradional onsens in Japan. Shipping was surprisingly fast
Loved loved loved it. Amazing service and delivered quickly and with care.
Lovely form, beautiful patina, perfect weight. Handsome appearance looks serene in the room. Kanso finds the most beautiful objects.
I purchased this Vintage hibachi burner for my tea ceremony and it came safely and beautifully. For my first use I made a little mistake that the charcoal was too much and it started a little crack due to the thermal shock. I wish to share so that if someone use this type of vintage hibachi burner, start with small fire and increase with time so that we can avoid the cracks. My hibachi is still look beautiful and still can use with care so I am still happy with the purchase.
Canβt wait to grind roasted sesame seeds in the gorgeous bowl. So beautiful I leave it on display in my kitchen
So pleased with our Hinoki Bath Bucket and Stool. The finish is so good and the hinoki wood is just great for a bathroom.
So easy to order and no problem with delivery. Would highly recommend
I 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!
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.
Authenticity Guaranteed
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.
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 cut off dates:
16 December for Standard Shipping
21 December for Express Shipping
Standard shipping costs (Australia):
- $0- $100 order: $10
- $100-$200 order: $15
- $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.
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The promises we keep:
- 30 days of reflection after receiving the product.Β
- Need an exchange? We will send you the new product within 4 business days of the day of receipt.Β
- Would you prefer us to refund your money? We will refund you within 3 days of receipt.
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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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