Japanese Meiji period wood suzuri-bako (portable calligraphy box) with three drawers to hold paper, ledgers, and essential writing accessories. The lid swings open by pushing a locking side button and reveals a narrow storage compartment to hold ink stones and brushes. In addition to the top carrying handle and drawer pulls, all the edges of the chest are reinforced and adorned with heavy original black iron hardware. Circa 1880-1890. 9 3/4" high x 8" wide x 11 1/4" deep. Very good and solid overall condition with some typical separations in the wood from age and clear signs of use.