Antique Japanese c1880’s Kiri Wood Suzuribako Calligraphy Tansu Chest 11" Cloisonne Title: 研師 (Togishi — Sword

Title: 研師 (Togishi — Sword Polisher)

Having been in storage for over 70 years and protected by its original wooden presentation box

Tsutako inherited the name of the 2nd generation Gaei Matsuyama and continued producing pottery including pieces that were collected by the Imperial Prince

The lid is removed for filling and a tap interred at the bottom to dispense

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

Antique Japanese c1880’s Kiri Wood Suzuribako Calligraphy Tansu Chest 11" Cloisonne Title: 研師 (Togishi — SwordThis 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)