Vintage Japanese Haribako Sewing Box, Mid-Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26M-865-2

Vintage Japanese Haribako Sewing Box, Mid-Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26M-865-2

A compact mid-century haribako in warm-toned hardwood, with a lift-top compartment, pull-out drawer, and vivid red-lined interiors -- handcrafted Japanese storage at its most charming.

A haribako is a traditional Japanese sewing box used to store needles, thread, thimbles, and other hand-sewing tools. Compact yet cleverly designed, the haribako was an everyday household essential found in the home of any skilled seamstress during the mid-Showa era, when domestic craft and careful needle work were still central to daily life. This example is constructed from a straight-grained hardwood -- likely sugi (cryptomeria) or a similar domestic softwood -- finished in a warm amber tone that has mellowed beautifully with age. The hinged lid opens to reveal a generous upper storage well, while a pull-out drawer below -- fitted with a cast metal bail handle and fronted by a decorative cloud-shaped apron cutout -- provides a second tier of organized storage. Both the upper compartment and the drawer interior are lined in bold red fabric, a classic mid-century Japanese touch that adds a striking pop of color. The solid plinth base and clean joinery reflect the dependable craftsmanship of early postwar Japanese vintage furniture production.

Today this vintage Japanese haribako translates effortlessly into modern interiors. Its compact footprint and layered storage make it an ideal jewelry box for a bedroom dresser, keeping rings, earrings, and small accessories neatly separated across two compartments. On a home office desk it works beautifully as a desktop organizer -- pens and small stationery in the drawer, correspondence or cards in the top well. It also makes a distinctive accent piece on an entryway console or living room shelf, adding wabi-sabi warmth and a hint of Japandi style to any minimalist decor. A truly unique gift for collectors of vintage Japanese craft or anyone who appreciates handcrafted storage with genuine history.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Straight-grained hardwood (likely sugi or similar domestic wood), cast metal hardware, red fabric lining
• Use: Haribako -- traditional Japanese sewing and needlework storage box
• Modern Use: Jewelry box or accessory organizer; desktop stationery and small-item storage; decorative accent for bedroom, home office, or entryway
• Features: Hinged lift-top lid with metal hinge fittings; upper open storage well; pull-out lower drawer with cast metal bail handle; decorative cloud-form apron cutout on drawer front; red fabric lining throughout interior; solid plinth base
• Dimensions: 7"W x 10"D x 6 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A warmly crafted piece of vintage Japanese vintage furniture -- the haribako brings mid-century Showa character and practical layered storage to 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.