Antique Japanese Haribako Sewing and Storage Box, Taisho period, 1912-1926 | SKU: 26M-087-1

Antique Japanese Haribako Sewing and Storage Box, Taisho period, 1912-1926 | SKU: 26M-087-1

A boldly grained Taisho-era haribako in richly figured hardwood -- a rare and collectible piece of antique Japanese craft.

A haribako is a traditional Japanese sewing and personal storage box, typically kept on a woman's dressing table or at her side for daily use. This exceptional example, dating to the Taisho period (1912--1926), is crafted from a boldly figured hardwood -- most likely Tamo ash -- whose dramatic swirling grain patterns give each surface an almost painterly quality. The box is arranged in a classic asymmetric layout: several pull-out drawers of varying widths are complemented by a pair of smaller side drawers, while the hinged lid at the top conceals a shallow, partitioned interior tray ideal for needles, pins, and small personal items. A discreet carry slot is mortised into each side panel for easy lifting. Brass bail handles and small round metal knobs add quietly elegant hardware accents consistent with Taisho-era craftsmanship. The joinery throughout is clean and precise, reflecting the high standard of handcrafted Japanese antique furniture from this period.

Today this haribako is just as useful as it is beautiful. Its compact tabletop footprint and generous drawer capacity make it a natural jewelry box or bedroom decor accent -- rings, earrings, and small accessories slot perfectly into the partitioned lid tray, while the deeper drawers handle bracelets, scarves, or cosmetics. On a home office desk it works equally well as a desktop organizer, keeping stationery, USB drives, and small tools neatly sorted in Japandi style. The warm amber tones and fluid grain pattern also make it a striking living room accent piece on a console or sideboard. A truly unique housewarming gift or gift for collectors of antique Japanese craft.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Taisho period, 1912-1926
• Material: Boldly figured hardwood, possibly tamo ash; plain hardwood secondary wood on drawer interiors; brass and metal hardware
• Use: Personal storage and sewing box (haribako); originally kept on a dressing table to organize needles, thread, and small accessories
• Modern Use: Jewelry box and bedroom organizer; home office desktop storage; decorative living room or entryway accent in a wabi-sabi or Japandi interior
• Features: Hinged lift-top lid with partitioned interior tray; multiple pull-out drawers in an asymmetric layout including a full-width base drawer and smaller side drawers; brass bail handles on larger drawers; round metal knob pulls on smaller drawers; carved carry slots on side panels; clean dovetail and box joinery throughout
• Dimensions: 13"W x 7 1/2"D x 10"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and beautifully preserved piece of antique Japanese furniture -- the swirling grain and careful craftsmanship of this Taisho haribako bring timeless warmth and character 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 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.