Vintage Japanese Small Hikidashi Drawer, 1946 - 1965 (Mid Showa) | SKU: 26M-493

Japanese Kamakura Style Small Drawer | Vintage Jewelry Box & Desk Organizer, 1946-1965 (Mid Showa), SKU 26M-493

A rare Mid Showa kamakura style small drawer with deep red lacquer, carved floral hikidashi drawers, and a commemorative inscription -- a one-of-a-kind piece of vintage Japanese craft.

A Kamakura style drawer is a small Japanese chest fitted with hikidashi -- pull-out drawers -- traditionally used to store personal belongings such as writing tools, sewing accessories, medicines, or keepsakes within the home. This exceptional example dates to the Mid Showa era and stands out for its striking lacquer treatment: the entire exterior is finished in a rich, deep burgundy-red urushi-style lacquer over a kiri (paulownia) wood body, then overlaid with an allover hand-tooled tortoiseshell or kikko (hexagonal) pattern that catches the light with remarkable depth. Across the drawer fronts, a continuous carved relief composition flows from top to bottom -- depicting a large iris or lily blossom and grassy foliage rendered in vivid red against the dark ground -- giving the chest the quality of a Japanese antique sculpture as much as a functional piece of furniture. Each drawer is fitted with a small round metal knob pull, dark-patinated to complement the lacquer. The natural wood interiors of the hikidashi drawers, visible when opened, reveal pale kiri construction beneath the lacquer exterior. The back panel bears a hand-engraved commemorative inscription in gilt characters, marking what appears to be a shop grand reopening celebration -- a rare provenance detail that elevates this piece beyond ordinary vintage Japanese storage.

In a modern home, this compact ko-tansu is an exceptionally versatile and decorative accent. On a bedroom dresser or vanity, it works beautifully as a jewelry box or keepsake chest, its multiple drawers organizing rings, earrings, and accessories with quiet elegance. On a home office desk, it serves as a sophisticated desk organizer for stationery, business cards, or small supplies -- a conversation piece that pairs naturally with Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic interiors. It would also shine as a living room accent displayed on a shelf or console, where its carved lacquer surface can be admired as decorative art in its own right. A truly unique housewarming gift or gift for collectors of Japanese antique furniture, this piece carries both beauty and a verifiable story.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Kiri (paulownia) wood body; deep burgundy-red urushi-style lacquer exterior with hand-tooled kikko (hexagonal) pattern; carved floral relief on drawer fronts; small round metal knob pulls; gilt engraved inscription on reverse
• Use: Small personal storage chest with hikidashi pull-out drawers for keeping personal effects, writing tools, or keepsakes
• Modern Use: Jewelry box or vanity organizer; desktop stationery and accessory storage; decorative living room or shelf accent
• Features: Allover hand-tooled kikko (hexagonal) pattern across all lacquered surfaces; carved iris and foliage floral relief spanning multiple drawer fronts; natural kiri wood drawer interiors; small round metal knob pulls; commemorative gilt inscription on reverse panel; gently rounded top corners; low plinth base
• Dimensions: 8"W x 9"D x 10"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and sculptural piece of Japanese antique furniture -- its hand-carved lacquer surface and personal commemorative history make it as much a work of art as a timeless storage chest for 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 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.