Antique Japanese Merchant Cash Box (Ink Box Kakesuzuri), Meiji Period, 1868-1911 | SKU: 26J-0474

Antique Japanese Merchant Cash Box (Ink Box Kakesuzuri), Meiji Period, 1868-1911 | SKU: 26J-0474

A rare antique Japanese merchant cash box with hand-forged iron fittings, coin slot lid, lockable drawers, and deep wabi-sabi character -- a striking collector's piece from the Meiji era.

A kakesuzuri (Ink box) -- sometimes called a zeni-bako or merchant Ko tansu -- is a traditional Japanese lockable cash and valuables box used by shopkeepers and tradespeople to secure daily receipts, coins, and important documents at the point of sale. This exceptional example dates to the Meiji period (1868-1911), when Japan's merchant class was flourishing amid rapid modernization, and the demand for secure, portable strongboxes was at its height. Constructed from a boldly grained hardwood, possibly keyaki (zelkova) or a similarly dense domestic species, the body is encased in hand-forged iron strapping riveted at every edge and corner -- a hallmark of high-quality Japanese antique furniture craftsmanship. The hinged lid features a narrow coin deposit slot flanked by a heavy iron latch and lock mechanism, allowing coins or folded notes to be dropped in without opening the box. The front face presents a lockable panel with a keyhole surround and decorative iron hardware, beside which sit smaller upper drawers fitted with iron ring pulls; a full-width lower drawer with a bail handle completes the storage arrangement. With the drawers extended in the open images, the plain wood interiors are revealed -- clean, functional, and consistent with merchant use. Every surface carries the warm, deep patina of over a century of handling, making this a singular piece of handcrafted Japanese antique furniture.

In a modern home, this compact and architecturally bold box adapts beautifully to contemporary living. Its shallow drawers and lockable compartments make it an ideal jewelry box or bedside organizer for rings, watches, and keepsakes -- a natural fit for bedroom decor in a wabi-sabi or Japandi style interior. Placed on a home office desk, it functions as a sophisticated desktop organizer for small valuables, keys, and stationery, adding an instant living room accent or study focal point that no mass-produced item can replicate. It also makes a truly unique gift for collectors of Japanese antiques or Japanophiles who appreciate objects with genuine history. At just under a foot deep, it sits comfortably on a shelf, console table, or writing desk without overwhelming the space.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1868-1911 (Meiji)
• Material: Boldly grained hardwood, possibly keyaki (zelkova) or similar dense domestic species; hand-forged iron strapping, rivets, lock plates, and ring pulls throughout
• Use: Merchant cash and valuables strongbox (kakesuzuri / zeni-bako); secure storage of coins, folded currency, and documents at a retail counter
• Modern Use: Jewelry box or bedside keepsake organizer; desktop storage for a home office; decorative living room or entryway accent for wabi-sabi or Japandi style interiors
• Features: Hinged lid with iron-framed coin deposit slot; heavy iron latch and lock mechanism on lid; lockable front panel with keyhole surround and decorative iron hardware; multiple drawers with iron ring pulls and a wider lower drawer with bail handle; iron corner and edge strapping riveted throughout; rich aged patina on all surfaces; plain wood drawer interiors in clean condition
• Dimensions: 7"W x 11 1/2"D x 8 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent -- age-consistent patina and wear; all drawers functional; iron fittings intact with natural oxidation

A truly rare piece of Japanese antique furniture -- this Meiji-era merchant money box carries 150 years of commerce and craftsmanship into any modern home with unmatched authenticity and presence.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.