Vintage Japanese Ko-Bako Two-Drawer Chest, Early Showa (1927-1945) | SKU: 26M-921-5

Vintage Japanese Ko-Bako Two-Drawer Chest, Early Showa (1927-1945) | SKU: 26M-921-5

A lacquered two-drawer keepsake chest adorned with hand-painted chrysanthemums and folding fans -- a refined example of early Showa decorative craft.

A ko-bako is a small-format Japanese chest designed to store personal treasures, correspondence, or sewing and cosmetic accessories on a dressing table or writing desk. This compact example, likely dating to the Early Showa period (1927-1945), is constructed from a straight-grained hardwood -- possibly keyaki (zelkova) or a similar close-grained timber -- finished in a deep oxblood lacquer that glows warmly in natural light. The exterior sides reveal a fine, linear wood grain beneath the lacquer, while the interior drawer boxes are lined in unfinished pale kiri (paulownia), keeping contents dust-free and gently ventilated in the traditional manner. The two pull-out drawers slide cleanly on fitted wooden runners, each fronted by a slender black bar pull. What truly distinguishes this piece is its painted decoration: one drawer face bears a delicate composition of red chrysanthemum blooms rising from grassy stems against a gold-toned fan motif, while the lower drawer features an open sensu fan scattered with autumn foliage rendered in red and gold. This type of lacquer painting -- applying mineral pigments over a lacquered ground -- was a hallmark of Japanese vintage decorative furniture produced for the domestic gift and bridal trousseau market during the early twentieth century.

Today this handcrafted Japanese ko-bako makes an exceptionally charming jewelry box or bedside keepsake chest -- its two roomy drawers are perfectly sized for rings, earrings, folded scarves, or rolled accessories. Place it on a vanity or dressing table for elegant bedroom decor with a wabi-sabi aesthetic, or set it on a home office desk as a desktop organizer for stationery, pens, and notecards. The rich lacquer finish and painterly floral motifs complement both Japandi style interiors and more traditional settings alike, and the compact footprint means it fits comfortably on a bookshelf or console as a standalone decorative accent. It makes a memorable housewarming gift or a thoughtful present for collectors of vintage Japanese craft.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Hardwood body, possibly keyaki (zelkova), with deep oxblood lacquer finish; unfinished pale wood drawer interiors; black metal bar pulls
• Use: Personal storage chest for a dressing table or writing desk -- used to hold cosmetics, sewing accessories, correspondence, or small valuables
• Modern Use: Jewelry box and vanity organizer; desktop storage for stationery or notecards; decorative accent on a bookshelf or entryway console
• Features: Two pull-out drawers on fitted wooden runners; hand-painted lacquer decoration featuring chrysanthemum blooms and sensu fan motifs in red and gold on each drawer face; clean-grained lacquered sides and top; flat plinth base; unfinished pale wood drawer interiors
• Dimensions: 7 1/2"W x 8 3/4"D x 6 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A beautifully preserved piece of vintage Japanese decorative furniture -- this lacquered ko-bako brings the quiet elegance of early Showa craftsmanship into any modern home.

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 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.