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Kanso House

Antique Japanese Taisho period single draw ko-tansu merchant box

Antique Japanese Taisho period single draw ko-tansu merchant box

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐​​ 5.0/5.0 star reviews

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Regular price $220.00
Regular price Sale price $220.00
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A simple Taisho period Sugi (Japanese Cedar) Ko-tansu. A small single drawer box with iron handle and lock. (no key, but it is unlocked).

On the bottom of the box there is some bold Kanji that reads Shōraku-ya. Shōraku being a name and ya meaning shop or workshop/studio.
This is the second box we have from the same shop. The other one is here

So like the other one, this most likely 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.

What is interesting about the inscription on the bottom of this one is that we have the bold Shōraku-ya script, but underneath a fainter inscription can still be seen. We cant read all of it but have managed to read enough to determine this box is from Taisho 7 which is 1918.

That fits with the style of lock. This box is later than the other one mentioned, but owned by the same shop. Its possible it was owned by someone else before the shop and that is why they painted over the other inscription.

I find it fascinating that dates and places are often recorded in this way on Japanese boxes. With out these inscriptions we have other clues as to when they are from, but it makes it so much more interesting and accurate to have it written down. The craftsman and owners clearly appreciated history and legacy.

Measures 19.5cm wide x 29.5cm long x 18cm 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.

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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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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 CUTOFF 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).

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Once shipped, you will receive a tracking number so you can check the AusPost website for arrival details.

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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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