A Paper Covered Wooden Grain Measure: Amazing Patina from Age

early twentieth century
6 3/4" x 5 1/2" x 3 3/4", 17 cm x 14 cm x 9.5 cm

This old wooden box most likely was used as a masu or grain measure, however it is slightly rectangular in shape and not a perfect square as masu tend to be.

It is an attractive object: it is fashioned from wood and is covered in paper. The box has been exposed for a good long time as we can tell from the deeply rich, (probably) soot-infused color the box has taken on during its lifetime.

The paper is peeling and is missing on some parts of the box. Some of the paper is printed with images that are very hard to discern due to the deep brown tone which has settled on all sides, front and back, of the box.

This is a soulful accessory that has many applications and its rich patinated surface certainly calls up the ages and invites us to dream on its history.