Antique Japanese Storage Box - 1910s Meiji Era (25D-458-3)

Antique Japanese Storage Box (SKU 25D-458-3)

Early 20th-century black-lacquered wooden storage trunk with original metal handle

This understated antique Japanese storage box is crafted in solid wood and finished in a deep black urushi-style lacquer, giving it a quiet, utilitarian elegance. The simple rectangular form, flat lid, and robust front handle suggest it once served as a practical trunk for documents, tools, or personal effects in a traditional Japanese household or workshop.

The detachable lid lifts to reveal a spacious interior, ideal today for discreet storage or as a characterful accent beside a tansu chest or under a low table. Areas of gentle wear, small chips, and irregularities in the lacquer attest to decades of use, adding authentic wabi-sabi charm while preserving the box’s strong, functional presence.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1910s Taishō period (attributed)
• Material: Wood with black lacquer and iron hardware
• Use: General storage trunk for documents, textiles, or tools
• Features: Rectangular wooden chest; removable flat lid; front iron bail handle with hasp for a small padlock; rich black lacquer surface; visible age patina and edge wear enhancing wabi-sabi character
• Dimensions: 27"W x 17 1/4"D x 13 1/2"H
• Condition: Good vintage condition with surface wear, small chips, and lacquer losses consistent with age and use

A versatile, quietly striking piece that brings authentic Japanese vintage storage and wabi-sabi warmth to any interior.

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.