Kanso House
Antique Japanese Extra Large Te-bunko/ Suzuri Bako Writing box
Antique Japanese Extra Large Te-bunko/ Suzuri Bako Writing box
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0/5.0 star reviews
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Antique Japanese Writing Chest (Te-bunko)
With Suzuri-bako Compartment — Late Edo to early Meiji Period circa 1830-1880
A rare and beautifully preserved Japanese writing chest, known as a (te-bunko), dating from the late Edo to early Meiji period. Larger than the typical suzuri-bako, this chest was designed as a complete portable workstation for writing, correspondence, and calligraphy.
Made from Lacquered Sugi wood and reinforced with hand-forged iron fittings, it features a wonderfully compact tansu-like structure: two deep drawers, a long narrow brush drawer, and a lift-up lid revealing a recessed compartment for writing tools. This upper compartment follows the traditional suzuri-bako construction, originally housing an inkstone, inkstick, brush rest, and other calligraphy implements.
The long top drawer is purpose-built for writing brushes, its narrow proportions and smooth interior wear matching the cylindrical shapes once stored there. The larger drawers below would have held documents, folded letters, paper stock, and personal effects—everything needed by a scholar, teacher, scribe, monk, or travelling official.
Unlike regular sized calligraphy boxes, this one can hold A4 sized paper perfectly well.
In good condition for age. The box has a handle on top but the clasp holding the lid no longer holds so it cant be carried by this handle. The front drawers feature iron lock plates and forged Iron Hirute style handles.
This is a functional piece of Japanese literary history—an object made for daily work, contemplation, and communication.
This larger sized box measures 30.5cm wide x 41cm long x 29cm tall

Let customers speak for us
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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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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.
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.
FREE EXPRESS SHIPPING UPGRADES TILL DECEMBER 20
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.