Antique Japanese Hakobi-Bako Portable Storage Box, Taisho period (1912-1926) | SKU: 26M-721

Antique Japanese Hakobi-Bako Portable Storage Box, Taisho period (1912-1926) | SKU: 26M-721

A compact antique Japanese document and supply box with a hinged lid, pull-out drawers, and beautifully aged hardwood grain -- a rare survivor of Taisho-era working life.

A hakobi-bako is a traditional Japanese portable storage box used to organize and transport documents, writing tools, merchant supplies, or household necessities. This example, dating to the Taisho period (1912-1926), is a finely constructed piece of Japanese antique furniture that combines two storage modes in one compact body: a deep hinged-lid compartment on the upper section and a pair of pull-out drawers fitted with cast metal bail pulls on the front face. The exterior is built from a boldly grained hardwood -- possibly keyaki (zelkova) or a related species -- whose swirling figure has deepened to a rich reddish-brown over a century of use. Iron corner hardware and hinge straps reinforce the lid, while a recessed brass carry handle mounted flush to the lid top allowed the entire box to be lifted and moved with ease. The drawer interiors retain their original unfinished wood construction, showing the honest, utilitarian character of Taisho-era handcrafted Japanese woodwork.

Today this versatile box translates beautifully into a wide range of modern interior roles. Placed on a home office desk, it becomes a distinguished organizer for stationery, cables, or small tools -- its wabi-sabi aesthetic adding warmth to any minimalist decor or Japandi-style workspace. In a bedroom or living room accent arrangement, the deep lidded compartment makes a secure keepsake box for jewelry, letters, or precious mementos, while the drawers neatly hold everyday small items. It would also make a striking entryway accent -- keys, cards, and mail slipping naturally into its drawers -- or a characterful gift for collectors and Japanophiles who appreciate genuine antique Japanese craft with a story to tell.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho)
• Material: Boldly grained hardwood, possibly keyaki (zelkova); iron hinge and corner hardware; brass carry handle; cast metal drawer bail pulls
• Use: Portable storage box for documents, writing supplies, or merchant goods; used in home, shop, or traveling contexts
• Modern Use: Desk organizer and home office storage; bedroom keepsake or jewelry box; entryway accent for keys and small items
• Features: Deep hinged-lid upper compartment; multiple pull-out drawers with cast metal bail pulls; recessed brass carry handle on lid top; iron corner and hinge reinforcements; rich swirling wood grain throughout
• Dimensions: 7 1/2"W x 11"D x 10"H
• Condition: Excellent

A century-old piece of authentic Japanese antique craft -- functional, characterful, and ready to bring wabi-sabi warmth to any modern home or workspace.

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.