Length of box: 15 1/2 inches, 39.5 cm
Width of box: 12 1/2 inches, 32 cm
Height of box: 15 inches, 38 cm

Wooden box containing fans

Japan, Meiji period, 1868 - 1912

A rectangular wooden box with a fall-front panel. The front panel consists of a wooden frame with paper inset, mounted with a metal pull. The cabinet comprises seven drawers of various sizes, each with a front made from a different type of wood, and each with a circular metal pull, the bottom half of which is hinged and can be moved upwards. The drawers have wooden dividers. The top two drawers each house two paper booklets, the pages densely printed and bound together.  The five drawers underneath each house folded fans in fitted compartments.  The cabinet has two demi-lune shaped metal handles inset in the sides.