Kanso House
Antique Meiji Period 1880 Japanese 2 Drawer Sugi Wood Box - Bunko archive box
Antique Meiji Period 1880 Japanese 2 Drawer Sugi Wood Box - Bunko archive box
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0/5.0 star reviews
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Meiji Period late 19th Century 2 Drawer Document box.
Lacquered sugi wood with hand forged Iron Handles.
Called Gunpai Style Handles, they resemble the shape of a traditional Japanese battle fan, used by Samurai to signal each other on the battle field.
Finished with a reddish brown wiped Urushi lacquer.
A beautifully preserved Japanese bunko (文庫) or archival storage box, hand-crafted and inscribed in the 13th year of the Meiji era (1880). The calligraphy on the base records the box's origin in Kōriyama, formerly part of Iwashiro Province (now Fukushima Prefecture), and bears the name of its original owner or maker, Nemoto Yūtarō (根本祐太郎).
The date of 1880 puts the chest after the Meiji Restoration, a very interesting time in Japan where a lot of modernisation and a desire to be more westernised started to occur. Yet still a lot of traditional furniture and crafts were still being made.
This box would have originally been used to store important documents, manuscripts, or books, and reflects the refined simplicity and craftsmanship typical of Meiji-era woodworking. The aged patina of the wood and bold hand-painted characters make it both a practical storage piece and a deeply evocative decorative object.
Inscriptions (translated):
文庫 – Bunko - Archive / document box
岩代郡山 – Kōriyama, Iwashiro Province (modern-day Fukushima)
根本祐太郎 – Nemoto Yūtarō (name)
明治十三年 辰十月 造之 – Made in October, Year of the Dragon (1880)
Details:
Period: Meiji 13 (1880)
Origin: Kōriyama, Fukushima, Japan
Material: Sugi Wood (Cryptomeria Japonica)
Condition: Excellent antique condition with age-appropriate wear. Fantastic Kanji Characters clearly legible on bottom and inside bottom drawer.
Dimensions: L 36.5cm x W 27.5cm x 24cm
Weighs 3.1kgs
Free postage Australia wide.








Let customers speak for us
from 29 reviewsThis 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.

Beautiful quality pottery, looks great, works well.

Absolutely delighted with the aroma of this lovely Sandalwood incense. I liked it so much much I bought two boxes which should last me for a good while. Thanks again!

This charming little Drama is sitting on my desk keeping me company and I imagine he will be sitting there for a very long time. Another winner from Kanso House. Thank you!

I haven't been into Matcha that much before now. This, with a small amount of maple syrup to sweeten is a lovely way to start the day. I will buy again! Thank you

Item was as described and delivered quickly. Very happy with purchase.

Once again Kanso Houses package arrived in perfect condition. Inside wrapped with perfect care was the exquisite Iron Temple Dog Koro - Incense burner. Beautifully crafted, charmingly fun It is just perfect to me. Thank you Kanso House for your excellent taste and feel for the Japanese aesthetic .

Just as these Sakē Cups caught my eye online, they are having the same effect on people now they are in use at the dinner table. Along with their attractive appearance, their texture makes them comfortable to hold, and the lip feels right in contact with the mouth. I would probably have preferred the red cups, but because they were out of stock, I was happy to take three black ones, the only number available at the time. My plan is to buy more when they come back into syock.

The beauty that is Kanso House is they present items that are so unbelievably unique . This 'Yawning Daruma' is one such item . Such a treat to have in my home .

Delighted with this charming example of Japanese folk art. Otafuku's face and body is beautifully sculpted to form this hibachi. Arrived very carefully wrapped. Kanso House has a fine eye for quality objects. Thank you so much once again.

Love our new Japanese Bath Stool. Helps create a tranquil bathroom retreat.

A face only a parent could love… such a beautiful piece, with the celadon green done no justice by a photograph alone. Packaged with care, arrived in a timely fashion. Perched on my bookshelf next to a wonderful sake bottle I purchased alongside it.

This is my second purchase from Kanso House and I was so pleased with the first I came back for another. I have always liked the figure and story of Daikoku and was so pleased to see this very fine figure listed. The size is quite impressive and very nicely carved and has a lovely patina. The package arrived quickly and very professionally wrapped. Plus a nice note was enclosed. Thank you both for this handsome figure to add to my collection.

This blend of sandalwood is perfection. Subtle and fragrant. Beautifully presented on delivery. Bravo

I was intrigued by this temple , its story, its simplicity. I am thrilled with it in my home .


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.

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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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