Heavy box from USMC estate with dragon on lid

[Steve Flanagan]

This is the only photo I have from a friend clearing out grandfathers property. He was USMC WWII vet and shipped bayonets and other items as well as this box that is very heavy and feels like it's made of lead. I've asked for more photos. Any ideas? Souvenir piece?

[gunto]

How many claws does it have?
Japanese dragons has 3 claws.

[Steve Flanagan]

Box

Ive asked him about that yesterday, no answer or extra photos as yet.

[GHP]

Looks like it might be a suzuri (ink stone); I've got one like that I bought in Korea years ago.




--Guy

[james m]

Looks like it might be a suzuri (ink stone); I've got one like that I bought in Korea years ago.




--Guy

Looks interesting. Would you please describe how it was used?
Jim

[Steve Flanagan]

Box

Okay its a four toed Chinese dragon, box weighs about five pounds or so. Here are photos of it and original crate, been in barn for at least sixty years.

[Steve Flanagan]

Crate

Here is original crate and packaging

[GHP]

Looks interesting. Would you please describe how it was used?
Jim

Jim:

Instructions here.



It essentially is an ink well like a swimming pool that has a deep end. Add water and rub the ink stone against the bottom of the "pool." Ink will be produced.

--Guy

[GHP]

Okay its a four toed Chinese dragon, box weighs about five pounds or so. Here are photos of it and original crate, been in barn for at least sixty years.

Steve,

That looks too deep to be a suzuri; but, perhaps it held a suzuri and some ink stones.

--Guy

[Alan Smith]

Are the markings painted on the ship-home box USMC unit markings?