Antique Japanese Lacquered Wood Lidded Box (Hako), Taisho Period, 1912-1926 | SKU: 26M-587-1

Antique Japanese Lacquered Wood Lidded Box (Hako), Taisho Period, 1912-1926 | SKU: 26M-587-1

A quietly elegant antique Japanese wooden box, finished in deep lacquered wood and built to last a century.

A hako is a traditional Japanese lidded box used to store and protect valued objects -- from personal keepsakes and correspondence to tea ceremony accessories and small ritual items. This example, dating to the Taisho period (1912-1926), is constructed from a smooth, close-grained hardwood finished in a rich dark lacquer that has deepened beautifully with age. The box features a simply fitted lift-off lid with a subtly raised border, squared corners reinforced with dark metal corner guards, and a clean, unadorned interior -- hallmarks of the refined minimalism that defined Taisho-era Japanese antique craft. The construction is sturdy and precise, reflecting the high standard of joinery expected from this period.

In a modern home, this handcrafted Japanese hako is as versatile as it is beautiful. Its compact square form and deep interior make it an ideal jewelry box for a bedroom dresser, a keepsake box on a home office desk, or a stylish catch-all for small items on an entryway console. Its deep espresso lacquer finish pairs naturally with Japandi style interiors, wabi-sabi aesthetic arrangements, and minimalist decor alike. Whether displayed open or closed, it carries a quiet presence that makes it a thoughtful housewarming gift or a distinctive addition to any Japanese antique collection.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Taisho period, 1912-1926
• Material: Hardwood with dark lacquer finish; metal corner reinforcements
• Use: Lidded storage box for keepsakes, personal items, or tea ceremony accessories
• Modern Use: Jewelry box for bedroom dresser; desktop keepsake or stationery box; decorative accent piece for entryway or living room
• Features: Lift-off fitted lid with raised border; clean unadorned interior; squared construction with metal corner guards; rich deep lacquer finish aged to a warm espresso tone
• Dimensions: 9 1/2"W x 9 1/2"D x 4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A century-old piece of Japanese antique craft, this hako brings understated elegance and wabi-sabi warmth to any modern space.

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 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.