No. 105543612

No longer available
ボックス - 江戸時代の船箪笥 硯箱(すずりばこ) Suzuri-bako 墨箱 アンティークのキャビネット - Suzuribako 船箪笥 Funetansu
Bidding closed
2 weeks ago

ボックス - 江戸時代の船箪笥 硯箱(すずりばこ) Suzuri-bako 墨箱 アンティークのキャビネット - Suzuribako 船箪笥 Funetansu

This is a *tansu*-style inkstone box—specifically a type known as a *funa-dansu* (ship chest)—crafted during the late Edo period. Opening the top lid reveals a compartment designed to store calligraphy tools such as an inkstone, an ink stick, and brushes. The drawers were used to store valuables. Equipped with a handle, it is easy to carry. Merchants of the Edo period used these boxes for tasks such as bookkeeping and conducting business transactions with customers. Since receipts and other documents were written with a brush at the time, it was highly valued as a practical inkstone box. One could say it served a role similar to that of a modern cash register. There is even an anecdote that, when a merchant's ship was wrecked, this inkstone box served as a makeshift flotation device (lifesaving aid). It is exquisitely crafted, with drawers that fit perfectly into the main body. The use of wooden pegs is a hallmark style typical of the late Edo period (circa 1800–1850). All metal fittings are hand-forged, retaining a distinctive hammered texture on their surfaces. Over the course of more than 150 years, the wood has aged to a beautiful amber hue. This is a very rare item. There is a crack on the top of the lid, but this does not interfere with opening or closing it. To open the lid, one must push the button upward. Corrosion is visible on the lower metal fittings. Dimensions: Height 21 cm, Width 30 cm x Depth 17 cm; Weight: 2,600 g.

No. 105543612

No longer available
ボックス - 江戸時代の船箪笥 硯箱(すずりばこ) Suzuri-bako 墨箱 アンティークのキャビネット - Suzuribako 船箪笥 Funetansu

ボックス - 江戸時代の船箪笥 硯箱(すずりばこ) Suzuri-bako 墨箱 アンティークのキャビネット - Suzuribako 船箪笥 Funetansu

This is a *tansu*-style inkstone box—specifically a type known as a *funa-dansu* (ship chest)—crafted during the late Edo period.

Opening the top lid reveals a compartment designed to store calligraphy tools such as an inkstone, an ink stick, and brushes.
The drawers were used to store valuables.
Equipped with a handle, it is easy to carry.
Merchants of the Edo period used these boxes for tasks such as bookkeeping and conducting business transactions with customers.
Since receipts and other documents were written with a brush at the time, it was highly valued as a practical inkstone box.
One could say it served a role similar to that of a modern cash register.

There is even an anecdote that, when a merchant's ship was wrecked, this inkstone box served as a makeshift flotation device (lifesaving aid).
It is exquisitely crafted, with drawers that fit perfectly into the main body.
The use of wooden pegs is a hallmark style typical of the late Edo period (circa 1800–1850). All metal fittings are hand-forged, retaining a distinctive hammered texture on their surfaces.

Over the course of more than 150 years, the wood has aged to a beautiful amber hue.

This is a very rare item.
There is a crack on the top of the lid, but this does not interfere with opening or closing it.
To open the lid, one must push the button upward.
Corrosion is visible on the lower metal fittings.

Dimensions: Height 21 cm, Width 30 cm x Depth 17 cm; Weight: 2,600 g.

Bidding closed
Sandra Wong
Expert
Estimate € 300 - € 380

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