Vintage Japanese Kobako Multi-Drawer Storage Box, Early Showa (1927-1945) | SKU: 26M-595

Vintage Japanese Kobako Multi-Drawer Storage Box, Early Showa (1927-1945) | SKU: 26M-595

A compact vintage Japanese kobako -- a handcrafted multi-drawer storage box bearing the quiet utility and wabi-sabi aesthetic of wartime Showa craftsmanship.

A kobako is a traditional Japanese small storage box, used on desks, dressing tables, and beside sleeping areas to keep personal effects neatly organized and close at hand. This example, dating to the Early Showa period (1927--1945), is built from a darkly lacquered hardwood -- likely sugi (cryptomeria) or a similar domestic timber -- finished in a deep reddish-brown that has deepened beautifully with age. The asymmetric drawer layout, with wider drawers on the left column and a narrower column on the right, reflects the practical ingenuity of handcrafted Japanese vintage furniture from this era. Each drawer slides smoothly on its guides and is fitted with a recessed brass ring pull, adding a subtle warmth of metal against the dark lacquered wood. The flat, unadorned top surface and clean joinery speak to a restrained, functional aesthetic typical of pre-war Japanese craft.

In a modern home, this charming vintage Japanese drawer box adapts effortlessly to a variety of uses. On a bedroom dresser or vanity, it makes an elegant jewelry box -- perfect for rings, earrings, and small accessories. On a home office desk, the multiple drawers provide tidy compartments for stationery, USB drives, or business cards, lending a Japandi-style accent to any workspace. It also works beautifully as a bathroom organizer for small toiletries, or as a bedside caddy for daily essentials. A truly unique gift for collectors, Japanophiles, or anyone who appreciates the quiet beauty of vintage Japanese craft.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Darkly lacquered hardwood with brass ring pulls
• Use: Personal storage box for desk, dressing table, or bedside -- used to organize small items such as writing tools, medicines, or personal effects
• Modern Use: Jewelry box or vanity organizer; home office desk storage; bedside caddy for daily essentials
• Features: Asymmetric multi-drawer layout with wider drawers on one side and a narrower column on the other; each drawer fitted with a recessed brass ring pull; flat unadorned top surface; clean hand-jointed construction; deep reddish-brown lacquer finish with age-appropriate patina
• Dimensions: 18"W x 11"D x 7 1/4"H
• Condition: Good vintage condition -- lacquer shows honest wear and light surface scratches consistent with age; drawers slide smoothly; structurally sound

A compact piece of vintage Japanese vintage furniture that brings the understated elegance of Early Showa craftsmanship to any modern desk, dresser, or bedside setting.

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.