Vintage Japanese Kaba-zaiku Kobako Two-Drawer Chest, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-858-2

Vintage Japanese Kaba-zaiku Kobako Two-Drawer Chest, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-858-2

A lacquered cherry-bark chest adorned with hand-painted florals -- a rare example of Japanese craft that doubles as stunning bedroom decor.

A kobako is a small decorative chest used in traditional Japanese households to store personal keepsakes, cosmetics, and accessories. This vintage Japanese kobako is clad in kaba-zaiku -- a distinctive craft technique in which strips of wild cherry bark (yamazakura) are applied over a wood core and burnished to a rich, deep garnet luster. The technique originated in the Tohoku region and was prized for its natural warmth and durability. Flowing across the drawer fronts is a continuous hand-painted composition of clematis blossoms and trailing vines rendered in amber lacquer and inlaid with small mother-of-pearl details at each flower center -- a level of decorative finish that speaks to genuine handcrafted Japanese artistry. The interiors of the pull-out drawers are lined in clean, light-toned wood, contrasting beautifully with the dark lacquered exterior.

Today this charming vintage Japanese chest is perfectly sized for a bedroom dresser top, bathroom vanity, or home office desk. Use it as a jewelry box to organize rings, earrings, and bracelets, or as a desk organizer for small stationery items and keepsakes. Its warm kaba-zaiku surface and floral motif make it a natural fit for a Japandi-style interior or wabi-sabi aesthetic, adding an earthy, handcrafted accent to any room. It also makes a thoughtful and unique gift for collectors of Japanese vintage pieces or as a housewarming gift for anyone who appreciates artisan craftsmanship.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Wood core with kaba-zaiku cherry bark veneer; lacquered finish; mother-of-pearl inlay accents; metal ring pulls
• Use: Small personal storage chest for cosmetics, accessories, and keepsakes
• Modern Use: Jewelry box and ring organizer; bedroom or vanity decor accent; home office desk organizer for small items
• Features: Kaba-zaiku cherry bark surface with deep garnet lacquer finish; hand-painted clematis floral motif spanning multiple drawer fronts; mother-of-pearl inlay at flower centers; black metal ring pulls with round backplates; pull-out drawers with clean light-wood interiors; compact tabletop scale
• Dimensions: 9 1/2"W x 6"D x8"H
• Condition: Excellent

A beautifully preserved piece of vintage Japanese craft -- this kaba-zaiku kobako brings natural warmth, artisan detail, and quiet elegance 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.