• Add a timeless touch of Japanese heritage to your space with this stunning, handcrafted money box from the 1800s. A truly rare find, this large zeni bako was once used by merchants during the Edo period to securely store their takings, offering both historical significance and rustic charm.
  • Add a timeless touch of Japanese heritage to your space with this stunning, handcrafted money box from the 1800s. A truly rare find, this large zeni bako was once used by merchants during the Edo period to securely store their takings, offering both historical significance and rustic charm.
  • Add a timeless touch of Japanese heritage to your space with this stunning, handcrafted money box from the 1800s. A truly rare find, this large zeni bako was once used by merchants during the Edo period to securely store their takings, offering both historical significance and rustic charm.
  • Add a timeless touch of Japanese heritage to your space with this stunning, handcrafted money box from the 1800s. A truly rare find, this large zeni bako was once used by merchants during the Edo period to securely store their takings, offering both historical significance and rustic charm.
  • Add a timeless touch of Japanese heritage to your space with this stunning, handcrafted money box from the 1800s. A truly rare find, this large zeni bako was once used by merchants during the Edo period to securely store their takings, offering both historical significance and rustic charm.
  • Add a timeless touch of Japanese heritage to your space with this stunning, handcrafted money box from the 1800s. A truly rare find, this large zeni bako was once used by merchants during the Edo period to securely store their takings, offering both historical significance and rustic charm.
  • Add a timeless touch of Japanese heritage to your space with this stunning, handcrafted money box from the 1800s. A truly rare find, this large zeni bako was once used by merchants during the Edo period to securely store their takings, offering both historical significance and rustic charm.
  • Add a timeless touch of Japanese heritage to your space with this stunning, handcrafted money box from the 1800s. A truly rare find, this large zeni bako was once used by merchants during the Edo period to securely store their takings, offering both historical significance and rustic charm.
  • Add a timeless touch of Japanese heritage to your space with this stunning, handcrafted money box from the 1800s. A truly rare find, this large zeni bako was once used by merchants during the Edo period to securely store their takings, offering both historical significance and rustic charm.
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very large japanese antique money chest, edo era money box, zeni bako

very large japanese antique money chest, edo era money box, zeni bako

¥82,920 JPY
¥82,920 JPY
Sale Sold out
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Love Japanese Style Like We Do

Add a timeless touch of Japanese heritage to your space with this stunning, handcrafted money box from the 1800s. A truly rare find, this large zeni bako was once used by merchants during the Edo period to securely store their takings, offering both historical significance and rustic charm. Perfect for collectors, history enthusiasts, or as an extraordinary home decor piece.

During Japan's Edo period, the government issued copper coins known as zeni, which circulated for over 260 years. Merchants needed sturdy containers to safeguard these coins, and the result was the zeni bako - a simple yet highly functional money box. This particular piece dates back to the mid-Edo period, when paper currency was not yet widely used, and wood cash registers had yet to replace these traditional storage solutions.

Handcrafted from thick keyaki (zelkova) wood - a prized material known for its durability and beautiful grain - this zeni bako showcases the exceptional skill of its maker. Over the years, the wood has developed a captivating patina that tells the story of time and use. The large, heavy construction was designed for security and longevity, making it an invaluable treasure of craftsmanship.

The box features a clean, rectangular design with a simple, round opening at the back for coin deposits. The top is composed of two wooden sections, secured with a lock, offering easy access to its contents. The hand-forged ironwork around the money hole and front lock adds a minimalist, industrial touch, with remnants of iron studs around the top edge that speak to its age and authenticity. A key is included to unlock and open the box.

In very good overall condition for its age, this zeni bako shows charming signs of use - small cracks, knocks, and bumps that only enhance its rustic appeal. Its large size and weight make it a striking piece, whether displayed beside a desk, or a sofa, or as a centerpiece with a potted plant in an antique Japanese hibachi. Beyond being a conversation starter, this box also serves as a unique storage solution for accessories, games, or small treasures.

For collectors of Japanese antiques or anyone fascinated by historical objects, this zeni bako is a truly rare and meaningful piece. Own a piece of Japan’s storied past and enjoy the beauty and history that this extraordinary box brings to your home.

- measures 25 cm (9.8”) across x 48 cm (18.9”) deep x 28 cm (11”) tall.
- weighs 8 kg (17.6 lbs)

(listing for money box only)

SHIPPING INFORMATION
- please read our shipping notes in shipping policy. 
- we use recycle packaging wherever possible and wrap for safety, rather than appearance!

ABOUT OUR VINTAGE, ANTIQUE AND OTHER ITEMS
We list pieces we feel are worthy of display. There may be scratches, dents, fading and signs of wear and tear. We try to explain the condition of each item exactly, but may miss something.

Information regarding the item and it’s age is obtained from dealers and our personal research. We do our best to give you the correct information but please be aware that we cannot guarantee this information.

Please message us prior to purchase with any questions you may have about our products.

JAPANESE ANTIQUE FURNITURE
The roots of furniture production in Japan were function. Mastery and skill were evident in Japanese antique furniture but it was conceived of need and was more a folk craft than a fine art. Cabinetry craft developed in response to the demand for useful everyday containers, trunks and chests for totally functional purposes and that is where the true beauty of Japanese furniture lies. 

The Japanese lived on tatami mats in small houses. Their artistic aesthetic emphasized minimalism and decorative furniture and personal possessions weren’t acquired like in the West. Antique furniture was basically a large range of storage chests from small sewing boxes to very large chests for storing futons.

It was the lower classes, the merchants, artisans and farmers who created the greatest demand for furniture, for use in their homes, shops and farms. Wherever a need existed, a corresponding cabinet or tansu was developed, leading to the vast array of styles, shapes and sizes in Japanese furniture.

In the Edo and Meiji era clothing tansu with drawers for kimono (isho dansu), sewing boxes (hari bako), vanities (kyodai)  and cabinets for tea utensils (cha dansu) and crockery (mizuya dansu) were important items in the home. Wooden safes (zeni dansu) guarded valuables in homes and shops. The upper classes, descendants of samurai families, would have had special order sword chests (katana dansu) and writing desks. Those studying Noh had a costume trunk and a small chest of square dressers for storing masks (nomen dansu).

Sea captains had special chests for storing valuables and documents on board (zeni dansu) The village chemist had a medicine chest (kasuri dansu) with many small drawers. The barber had a tall thin chest (dogu bako) for combs , razors and scissors. There was a special chest for those using hand tools (kanagu dogu bako). A merchant had a small box to store name seals (han bako) and a box to store an abacus, ink stone and brushes (suzuribako) for bills and receipts. Lamp oil was delivered in an oil peddler's box (abura gyosho hako). 

These are just a sample of the wonderful array of functional Japanese furniture that can still be used today for storing any items relative to your lifestyle,  while at the same time, creating a beautiful interior accent and a reminder of days gone by.


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