Antique Japanese c1880’s Kiri Wood Suzuribako Calligraphy Tansu Chest 11" Cloisonne Hand carved and built in

Hand carved and built in Chinese hardwood wood with details in traditional motifs around all four sides

Title: 研師 (Togishi — Sword Polisher)

The Ainu people traditionally carved these Kubori Kuma for religious purposes revering the Bear as a dirty

This is a vintage silk garment and may exhibit minor age-related characteristics such as slight discoloration

Antique Japanese c1880’s Kiri Wood Suzuribako Calligraphy Tansu Chest 11" Cloisonne Hand carved and built inThis is a 150 year old antique Japanese suzuribako from the late Meiji Era (c. 1880s). This suzuribako (portable calligraphy tansu) has three drawers and a lidded top section, made of solid Kiri (paulowina) wood. The metal hardware is hand forged iron. Suzuribako were used as portable accounting chests (the forerunner of the attache' case). Also known as a calligraphy chest as it housed an ink stone, brushes, ink stick, and paper. Keyaki (zelkova)