Antique Japanese Rice Box — Wood, 1920, Taisho Era (SKU: 25M-419-6)

Antique Japanese Rice Box (SKU 25M-419-6)

Taishō–era wooden komebitsu grain tub with iron banding and maker’s mark

This substantial antique Japanese rice box, or komebitsu, dates to the early 20th century and was originally used for storing and measuring rice in a traditional storehouse or shop. Crafted from vertical staves of warm-hued softwood and secured with forged iron bands, it has a beautifully aged surface that speaks to decades of careful use.

Twin iron side handles and a stamped maker’s cartouche on the body highlight the quality of its Taishō-period workmanship. Today, this cylindrical tub makes a striking decorative accent or characterful storage piece, equally at home as a planter, umbrella stand, or sculptural object in a wabi-sabi inspired interior.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Taishō period (c. 1920s)
• Material: Softwood with forged iron banding and handles
• Use: Traditional rice storage and measuring tub; now ideal as decorative storage, planter, or umbrella stand
• Features: Cylindrical antique Japanese rice box with iron-rimmed top and base, vertical wood staves, twin iron carrying handles, stamped maker’s mark and carved characters, rich patina and visible wear consistent with age
• Dimensions: --
• Condition: Good vintage condition with surface wear, staining, and oxidation to metal components, all commensurate with age and use

A handsome, utilitarian relic of Taishō-era Japan, ready to bring authentic character and texture to contemporary spaces.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage and antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.