Japanese Antique Wooden Drawer Box House Marked “Yama-sa” No.3 Meiji Era WO553

Japanese Antique Wooden Drawer Box House Marked “Yama-sa” No.3 Meiji Era

This is an authentic Japanese antique wooden drawer box, likely used for storage and organization in a merchant’s shop, workshop, or other practical setting. The exterior bears a carved house or identification mark, possibly reading “Yama-sa” (山サ), and the inner box is marked “San-ban” (三番 / No. 3), suggesting it was part of a numbered system.

A distinctive feature is the yellow cord attached to the drawer, which limits how far it can be pulled out. This appears to have functioned as a safety stop to help prevent the drawer from falling out during use.

Size:
Height: 7.2 cm / 2.8 in
Width: 20.0 cm / 7.9 in
Depth: 24.6 cm / 9.7 in
Weight: 844 g / 1.86 lbs

Condition:
The box shows age-related wear, including scuffs, stains, wood shrinkage, small cracks, and old nail construction. It has developed a deep, rustic patina over time. The drawer opens only partway due to the attached cord.

Please check the photos carefully for details.