Japanese Keyaki Zenibako Money Box - 19thC Finish - Blue Lacquer The backs of the doors

The backs of the doors are plain without carving

Materials: Hand-carved teak wood with remnants of red ritual pigment

Created in the early 19th Century

The painting depicts scenes of Mongolian children playing

Naturally Developed Patina

Japanese Keyaki Zenibako Money Box - 19thC Finish - Blue Lacquer The backs of the doorsThis 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.