Japanese Merchant's Box

When the books are the business, the box gets dressed for battle.

This merchant's box comes from Japan, 19th century, in zelkova wood and bronze. Japanese traders relied on sturdy portable chests to protect cash, ledgers and seals, and strong metal strapping was as much a statement as a defense. The wood is a warm red-brown, close-grained and lacquer-like on top. Dark straps cross the front in a grid, meeting at a large lock plate with a round flower boss and a heavy drop handle. Eighteen inches wide and ten and a half high.

Whatever it kept, it kept to itself.