Kanso House
Antique Japanese Meiji Period Ko-tanso Drawer box with Kanji
Antique Japanese Meiji Period Ko-tanso Drawer box with Kanji
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0/5.0 star reviews
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A sweet little ko-tanso with striking Kanji label on top and bottom.
Dating to the late 19th Century and made from sugi (Japanese Cedar) with iron hardware. The Kanji on the top and bottom of the box translate to Shōraku-ya. Shōraku being a name and ya meaning shop or workshop/studio.
So most likely this was a lockable box used in a shop to keep, valuables, papers and stamps etc, money or receipts etc. Anything you might want to lock away.
An interesting feature I found on this box. I was inspecting some holes on the side of the box, wondering what they might have been caused by. When I also inspected the drawers. I found matching holes that line up perfectly with those on the case.
This seems to be quite common on Japanese boxes and a very simple way of locking a drawer. A pin, nail or stick can be inserted through the hole in the case into the hole in the drawer, effectively stopping the draw from being pulled out, even if the front locks are unlocked. I suspect perhaps someone lost the keys to this box at some point and wanting to still lock it they drilled some holes in the side to create the secret lock. I will include a couple of wooden nails with the box so you can try it out for yourself!
Its fun discovering secrets like this on antique furniture because it allows you to imagine how the original owner might have used the piece.
Measures 20cm wide x 27cm deep x 20cm high.

Let customers speak for us
from 65 reviewsThe 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!
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 !
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
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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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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