Japanese Keyaki Zenibako Money Box - 19thC Bowls Mughal arch form

Mughal arch form

Layers of fading colour and natural paint loss reveal the timber beneath

it makes a superb and characterful coffee table or storage trunk

These were used beside or at the end of the Kang which was a raised platform used as a bed or lounging area in wealthy homes

Small: W61 x D26 x H7 cm

Japanese Keyaki Zenibako Money Box - 19thC Bowls Mughal arch formThis 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.