Rare Inscribed Japanese Wood Chest Zenibako on Custom Stand

Description

A rare original and impressively intact Japanese Zenibako (banker's money box) from late 19th century circa Meiji Period (1868-1912). The … more A rare original and impressively intact Japanese Zenibako (banker's money box) from late 19th century circa Meiji Period (1868-1912). The chest was made from cypress wood and fitted with hand wrought iron hardware throughout. Made specifically to safe keep the money, the chest is unique in several features. It consists of a main compartment and three drawers underneath. On top of the cover, there is an iron-rimmed small opening used for convenient money deposit; The left lower drawer has a hidden drawer behind, and the right drawer has a secret compartment underneath the visible one with the opening toward the back wall. An interesting piece that indicates how the money was handled during that period in Japanese society.
There are detailed ink inscriptions inside the box under the cover, as well as behind the central drawer. The writing, now partially illegible, indicates that the owner's name as Itai Kotaro from the town of Huaiming in Shizuoka prefecture, Japan. He was likely presented this chest as a present on February 3rd of Meiji 30th or 31st year (a little bit difficult to read to be certain), dating this piece to 1898 or 1899.
The box is presented on a later custom-made Lucite base. The Zenibako measures 11" H x 29.25" W x 9.5D. The stand is 7.5" H. Together the height is about 18.5". less