Box - Wood - Meiji-Era Antique Inkston

Product Description

Meiji-Era Antique Inkstone Box / Calligraphy Tool Case (Dated 1898)

This is a sturdily constructed antique inkstone box—or calligraphy tool case—believed to date back to the Meiji era.

Crafted from wood with a subdued reddish-brown finish, the box features numerous metal fittings designed to protect its corners and edges. A large metal handle adorns the front, contributing to an overall sense of solidity and substantial weight.

Unlike typical inkstone boxes that prioritize ornate decoration, this piece has the character of a large storage box designed for practical use; it possesses a dignified air that speaks to years of actual service.

Of particular interest is the old wooden tag and inscription remaining inside the box.

The inscription reads:

"July 10, Meiji 31"

This corresponds to July 10, 1898.

The Meiji era was a time of profound modernization for Japan, and 1898 falls within its middle period. The presence of such a specific date offers a fascinating glimpse into the object's history.

The *suzuri-bako* (inkstone box) is a traditional Japanese implement used to store calligraphy tools such as the inkstone, ink stick, water dropper, and brushes. In Japan, calligraphy was deeply intertwined with the daily lives of the cultured and the intellectual class; thus, the inkstone box was not merely a storage container but an object that symbolized Japanese calligraphic culture.

Rather than being a piece of elaborate lacquerware, this item holds its appeal as a practical tool case used by Japanese people in their everyday lives during the Meiji era.

The aged hue of the wood, the patina of the metal fittings, and the scratches and scuffs acquired through use combine to create a unique presence that simply cannot be replicated by modern products. This item will appeal to collectors of Japanese fine art, Meiji-era household implements, calligraphy-related items, antique wooden storage boxes, and traditional Japanese furniture.

We believe international collectors will also appreciate it as a **"functional object that embodies the lifestyle and culture of late 19th-century Japan."**

Dimensions
Height: approx. 17.5 cm
Width: approx. 18 cm
Depth: approx. 27 cm
Weight: approx. 1,888 g
Condition
As this is an antique item, signs of age are present, including scratches, scuffs, stains, discoloration of the wood, and rust, tarnishing, or deterioration of the metal parts.

Please understand that these characteristics are typical of aged items and are part of the piece's history and unique character.

We recommend this item to those who appreciate antiques and understand the nature of vintage objects; please examine the photos carefully to assess its condition.
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