Antique Japanese Haribako Sewing Box, Taisho era (1912-1926) | SKU: 26M-719-4

Antique Japanese Haribako Sewing Box, Taisho era (1912-1926) | SKU: 26M-719-4

A boldly grained Taisho-era haribako with a hinged lid, multiple pull-out drawers, and striking two-tone hardwood construction -- a rare collector's piece of handcrafted Japanese antique furniture.

A haribako is a traditional Japanese sewing box used to organize needles, thread, thimbles, and other needlework essentials. This exceptional example, dating to the Taisho period (1912-1926), is constructed from a richly figured hardwood -- most likely kaki (persimmon) -- with dramatic dark flame-like streaking across warm amber tones that gives each drawer front a near-painterly quality. The exterior framework is finished in a deep black lacquer, creating a striking contrast that speaks to the refined aesthetic sensibility of the era. The hinged top lid opens to reveal a shallow compartmented tray for small notions, while multiple pull-out drawers below -- arranged in a staggered layout of smaller upper drawers and a wider lower drawer -- provide generous, well-organized storage. Each drawer is fitted with a cast metal bar pull, worn to a pleasing patina through decades of use. The interior secondary wood is a lighter, unfinished hardwood, showing honest construction typical of quality Japanese craft of the period. This is a genuinely rare piece of antique Japanese craft in excellent overall shape for its age.

In a modern home, this haribako transitions effortlessly from its original purpose into a versatile bedroom decor accent or home office storage piece. Placed on a vanity or dresser, it serves beautifully as a jewelry box -- rings, earrings, and bracelets finding a natural home in the compartmented tray and graduated drawers. On a writing desk it works equally well as a desktop organizer for stationery, USB drives, or craft supplies, lending a wabi-sabi aesthetic to any minimalist decor scheme. Its compact footprint and bold grain make it a natural focal point in a Japandi-style living room or bedroom vignette. A distinctive housewarming gift or gift for collectors of Japanese antique furniture who appreciate genuine Taisho-era craftsmanship.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho)
• Material: Boldly grained hardwood, possibly kaki (persimmon), with black lacquered framework; cast metal bar pulls
• Use: Haribako -- traditional Japanese sewing and needlework storage box
• Modern Use: Jewelry box or vanity organizer; desktop storage for stationery and small accessories; decorative accent for Japandi or wabi-sabi styled interiors
• Features: Hinged lift-top lid with interior compartmented tray; multiple pull-out drawers in a staggered layout with smaller upper drawers and a full-width lower drawer; each drawer fitted with a cast metal bar pull; striking two-tone finish with flame-figured drawer fronts set against a dark lacquered case
• Dimensions: 11 1/2"W x 7"D x 9"H
• Condition: Excellent

A stunning piece of Japanese antique furniture -- this Taisho haribako brings the warmth of hand-figured wood and a century of quiet craftsmanship into 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.