Japanese Keyaki Zenibako Money Box - 19thC

This antique Japanese safe box dates to circa 1860, the late Edo period (1603 - 1868), and is called zenibako in Japan. It would have been used to store money and other valuables by a merchant, hence the coin slot at the top. The drawers would have held writing equipment like inkstone & brushes. It could also be referred to as a kakesuzuri, portable writing box. 

It is in excellent condition with its original leech (hirute) handles (hikite) and ironware. It is constructed from keyaki (red elm, zelkova) and the style indicates this piece is from Matsumoto, Nagano prefecture.

Similar examples can be found in The Furniture Museum & Matsumoto Folk Crafts Museum. They can also be found in Traditional Japanese Chests, A Definitive Guide by Koizumi. 

From Japan

30 x 20 x 21 (wxdxh cms)

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