Antique Japanese Haribako Sewing Box, Taisho 1912-1926 | SKU: 26M-090-2

Antique Japanese Haribako Sewing Box, Taisho 1912-1926 | SKU: 26M-090-2

A finely crafted Taisho-era multi-drawer haribako with gilt mon medallions and a hidden lidded compartment -- a rare survivor of Japanese antique domestic craft.

A haribako is a traditional Japanese sewing box used by women to organize needles, thread, thimbles, and other needlework essentials. This handsome example, dating to the Taisho period (1912-1926), is built from a darkly lacquered hardwood -- likely kiri (paulownia) for the carcass with a secondary wood lining the drawer interiors -- and features a gently rounded top that lifts on hinges to reveal a fitted interior tray with dividers. The front face presents multiple drawers arranged in a stepped, asymmetric layout typical of the period, each fitted with a turned wooden knob pull. What elevates this piece beyond a simple storage box is its decorative hardware: cast brass mon medallions in openwork floral and kamon (family crest) designs are applied to several drawer faces, glinting warmly against the deep oxblood lacquer. This layering of humble joinery and refined ornament is the hallmark of handcrafted Japanese antique furniture made for everyday domestic life.

In a modern home, this compact and characterful haribako is remarkably versatile. Its multiple drawers and hinged top compartment make it an elegant jewelry box for a bedroom dresser -- rings and earrings slip naturally into the divided interior tray, while longer necklaces and bracelets find a home in the deeper lower drawers. On a home office desk, it serves equally well as a desk organizer for stationery, pens, business cards, and small keepsakes, adding wabi-sabi warmth to a minimalist or Japandi-style workspace. Collectors and lovers of Japanese antiques will also appreciate it displayed on a sideboard or entryway console as a standalone decorative accent. A thoughtful and unique housewarming gift for anyone who appreciates the beauty of antique Japanese craft.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Taisho, 1912-1926
• Material: Lacquered hardwood (likely kiri/paulownia carcass); light hardwood drawer interiors; cast brass mon medallion hardware; turned wooden knob pulls; metal hinge fittings on lid
• Use: Haribako -- traditional Japanese sewing and needlework storage box
• Modern Use: Jewelry box for bedroom decor; desk organizer for home office storage; decorative accent for entryway or living room display
• Features: Hinged lift-top with fitted interior tray and dividers; multiple drawers in an asymmetric stepped arrangement; decorative openwork brass mon medallions in kamon and floral motifs; turned wood knob pulls throughout; deep oxblood lacquer finish with natural age patina; rounded top profile
• Dimensions: 13"W x 8"D x 9 1/2"H
• Condition: Good antique condition -- surface lacquer shows expected age wear and light scratching consistent with over a century of use; all drawers present and functional; brass hardware intact; hinge mechanism operational.

A century-old piece of Japanese antique domestic craft, this Taisho haribako brings the quiet elegance of wabi-sabi into any modern bedroom, home office, or living space.

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.