Japanese Wooden Decorative Zenibako Chest, 1860s

Details

Description

Atmospheric, compact Japanese zenibako – a traditional wooden chest that was once used to store coins and payments at the … Read more Atmospheric, compact Japanese zenibako – a traditional wooden chest that was once used to store coins and payments at the entrance of a shop or inn.

Dimensions: height 29.5 cm, width 29 cm, depth 40.5 cm.

The chest features a sliding lid with a round opening so money could be dropped in quickly, and a beautifully shaped front panel with sturdy iron hardware.

The surface shows a deep, almost black patina through which the warm reddish-brown wood subtly shines. Numerous scratches, areas of wear and the metal fittings tell a story rich in history. It is precisely this well-worn patina that gives the piece such a strong wabi-sabi character today.

In a contemporary interior this zenibako is highly versatile: as a decorative object on a sideboard, as a small display for ceramics or an ikebana vase, or as a kind of vide poche for keys, coins, mail and other small items in the entrance area. It also works beautifully next to a sofa or bed as a sculptural accent with a distinctly Japanese story.

An authentic utilitarian object from the late Edo period that now serves as a warm, characterful focal point in a modern interior. See less