

Antique Japanese Sewing Box (Haribako) — Kiri & Keyaki Wood, 1880s, Meiji Era (SKU: 25M-309-1)
A Cabinet of Quiet Industry and Artful Order
This exquisite antique Japanese haribako (sewing box) from the late 1800s is a testament to the beauty of functionality, embodying the harmony between craftsmanship and daily life in Meiji-era Japan. Fashioned from a stunning combination of Kiri (paulownia) and Keyaki (zelkova elm) woods, the box glows with a warm amber tone and mesmerizing, tiger-stripe wood grain patterns that shift like waves in morning light.
Behind its compact form lies a thoughtful arrangement of drawers and compartments designed to store sewing tools, threads, and keepsakes. Iron pulls and fittings add a subtle touch of rustic elegance, completing a piece that feels both intimate and enduring. Whether used for its original purpose or repurposed as a treasure chest for modern essentials, this box is a beautiful reminder of the artistry that once enriched the everyday.
Origin: Japan
Era: 1880s, Meiji Period
Material: Keyaki (zelkova elm), Kiri (paulownia), iron hardware
Use: Traditional sewing box (haribako), or modern keepsake chest
Features:
Rich keyaki grain with a dynamic ripple pattern
Hand-forged iron drawer pulls
Four functional drawers with traditional Japanese joinery
Beautiful aged patina
Dimensions: 11 1/2"W x 7"D x 9"H
Condition: Excellent antique condition with expected wear for age
A quiet heirloom from a bygone era—where even the humblest tools were housed with grace and intention.