Antique Japanese Keyaki Zelkova Calligraphy Box Suzuribako Tansu For Sale

---

This is a Japanese calligraphy box probably made in the late 1800's. It's made of keyaki wood (zelkova) a very hard, durable asian elm. The amount of iron on this as well as the fact that it is made of keyaki (and not one of the less expensive woods)and especially because there is a money slot in the topis an indication the original owner of this was a professional calligrapher. In other words he or she were paid for their calligraphy. This was usually done for official documents, letters to an important person/client or any of the other many occasions where beautiful writing was important. Once the writing was done the money would not be handeddirectly to the calligrapher. Itwould be deposited into the slot in the box. It would not be counted in front of anybody as that was rude. Even now in Japan, when money is handed from one person to another after a business deal it is often presented inside an envelope. The envelope is not opened and counted. The giver is thanked and the envelope is quickly put away. It will be counted later.

This box is very well made and despite it's age it's in great condition. The handle still holds the weight of the box as does the lock. (photo # 8) This calligraphy box is beautiful and is a link to the times and history of these artists.

It is 7 3/4 inches tall (19.5cm) 6 3/4 inches wide (17 cm) and 11 1/2inches deep (29 cm). It weighes 5 1/4 pounds ( 2.4 kilo)

We have other antique/vintage Japanese items on our site. We will combine items for shipping if we can safely do so.

And if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, return it within 14 days for a no questions asked refund.

Notice: If you want to combine items, or are buying internationally, contact us about shipping before payment. We can often give you a lower price than the computer generated shipping price.

This item has been shown 413 times. Antique Japanese Keyaki Zelkova Calligraphy Box Suzuribako Tansu: $178