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

Mughal arch form

Date: Contemporary

hand-painted spotting and simplified form favour energy and movement over realism

Small: W61 x D26 x H7 cm

Pieces of this type were traditionally used as flower stands or tea tables and were often made in pairs

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.