Antique Japanese c.1880’s Kiri Wood Suzuribako Calligraphy Tansu Chest 12" Bowls There is an artist's signature/chop

There is an artist's signature/chop mark on the bottom of the dish

This small chest measures approximately 32

Boys day occurs on May 5th

This vase was used in a tokonoma (alcove in a traditional Japanese home) to display flowers

Antique Japanese c.1880’s Kiri Wood Suzuribako Calligraphy Tansu Chest 12" Bowls There is an artist's signature/chopThis 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 (pallowina) 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)