Antique Meiji Period Japanese Elm Suzuri Bako Calligraphy Box

A nice example of a Keyaki Elm wood Suzuri Bako Calligraphy box dating to the early Meiji period (late 19th Century). Used in Japan by merchants and scribes for carrying implements for writing, brushes, ink, inkstones and paper. The locked draw would often be used to keep money or valuables. Featuring 3 drawers, 1 larger drawer would have been used to keep paper and possibly an abacus, whilst the unlocked narrow drawer would have been used for writing implements, brushes etc. The locked drawer as mentioned would have been used to keep money and valuables. There is no key but the drawer is unlocked and can be opened by pulling the lock plate. On the top there is an open section which would have originally housed the suzuri, Japanese ink stone used for grinding ink, it also acts as an ink well. As is the case with most suzuri bako, you can see evidince of use from ink stains in the top. In good condition, there are two cracks in the locking draw which have been glued and repaired so it is ready to serve its new owner. The clasp on the top lid is present and does work though it is not strong enough to hold when carrying the box. We find these boxes incredibly useful even today. We have one for gardening tools and another one for pens and pencils. Measures 18cm wide x 27cm x 19.5cm