Antique Japanese Haribako Sewing Box - 1920s Taisho Era (25D-341-2)

Antique Japanese Haribako Sewing Box (SKU 25D-341-2)

Warm Taishō-era style mingei sewing tansu with beautifully figured wood grain

This antique Japanese sewing box, or haribako, is crafted in the manner of a small tansu chest, with a harmonious arrangement of drawers designed to keep threads, needles, and tools neatly organized. The softly rounded top edge and compact proportions speak to everyday domestic use in early 20th-century Japan, while the warm honey tone of the timber adds a gentle glow to any interior.

The front is composed of multiple drawers of varying sizes, each fitted with understated metal pulls that have darkened with age, enhancing the box’s authentic patina. Swirling burl-like grain patterns animate the drawer fronts, giving this Taisho-era sewing tansu a decorative presence that works equally well as a tabletop organizer, jewelry chest, or accent piece in a wabi-sabi inspired space.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Taisho period (early 20th century, c. 1920s)
• Material: Wood with natural grain veneer and metal pulls
• Use: Traditional sewing box (haribako) or small storage tansu for accessories and stationery
• Features: Multi-drawer sewing tansu design; richly figured burl-like grain; warm amber finish; simple iron-style hardware; compact form ideal for mingei and wabi-sabi interiors
• Dimensions: 11"W x 7"D x 9"H
• Condition: Very good vintage condition with age-appropriate wear, small scuffs, and patina to the surface and metal pulls

A characterful Taishō-era sewing tansu that brings a touch of lived-in Japanese craftsmanship 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.