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Kanso House

Antique Japanese 3 Drawer Suzuri Bako Sugi wood and Iron Calligraphy Box

Antique Japanese 3 Drawer Suzuri Bako Sugi wood and Iron Calligraphy Box

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Regular price $350.00
Regular price Sale price $350.00
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Low stock: 1 left

A nice little sugi wood Suzuri Bako Calligraphy box dating to the Meiji period (late 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 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. 

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 plenty of evidence of use from all the ink splashes, there is even ink on the inside of the lock drawer. 
I love these little clues to the history and use, it shows that this box was well used in its life. 

In good condition for age, the top is made with an expansion joint which often separates due to humidity fluctuations, so you can see a small separation in the lid.
Small hole from a tree knot on the left front side of the case. (visible on second last photo) 
The push button latch which holds the lid works well, these are often broken. This means the box can be carried by the top handle from place to place.

We find these boxes incredibly useful even today. We have one for gardening tools and another one for pens and pencils.

Measures 17cm wide x 27cm x 19.5cm high 

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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.

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.

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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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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.

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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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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.