Antique Japanese Haribako Sewing Box, 1912 - 1926 (Taisho) | SKU: 26M-726-2

Japanese Haribako Sewing Box | Antique Jewelry Box & Desktop Organizer, 1912-1926 (Taisho), SKU 26M-726-2

A masterwork of Taisho-era craft -- richly figured hardwood, a hinged lid with removable tray, and multiple pull-out drawers in one elegant handcrafted Japanese sewing box.

A haribako is a traditional Japanese sewing box used to store needles, thread, thimbles, and other needlework essentials. Dating to the Taisho period (1912-1926), this exceptional example showcases the era's refined domestic craftsmanship at its finest. The exterior panels are dressed in a boldly figured hardwood -- most likely kaki (persimmon) or a similarly striking Japanese species -- displaying dramatic swirling grain patterns that ripple across every surface like contour lines on a map. The hinged lid opens to reveal a shallow interior compartment fitted with a removable divided tray, perfect for organizing small items with precision. Below, multiple pull-out drawers of varying sizes slide smoothly on hand-fitted wooden runners, each faced with the same spectacular figured wood and fitted with cast metal ring pulls or knob hardware. The overall construction is solid and well-jointed, reflecting the high standard of handcrafted Japanese antique furniture produced during this culturally vibrant period.

Today this vintage Japanese craft object transitions seamlessly into modern living. On a bedroom dresser it functions beautifully as a jewelry box -- the divided lid tray is ideal for rings and earrings, while the deeper drawers hold bracelets, watches, and accessories. In a home office it works equally well as a desktop organizer, corralling stationery, USB drives, and small tools with wabi-sabi aesthetic charm. Its compact, self-contained silhouette also suits a bathroom organizer role, keeping cosmetics and grooming essentials neatly sorted. The warm amber tones and sculptural grain make it a natural fit for Japandi style interiors, and it makes a truly unique housewarming gift or gift for collectors who appreciate authentic antique Japanese woodwork.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho)
• Material: Boldly figured hardwood, possibly kaki (persimmon); cast metal hardware
• Use: Haribako -- traditional Japanese sewing and needlework storage box
• Modern Use: Jewelry box and accessories organizer; desktop storage for home office; bathroom organizer for cosmetics and grooming
• Features: Hinged lift-top lid with removable divided interior tray; multiple pull-out drawers in a graduated arrangement; cast metal ring pulls and knob hardware; dramatic swirling figured grain across all exterior panels; solid wood construction with hand-fitted drawer runners
• Dimensions: 12"W x 7"D x 9"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and beautifully preserved piece of Japanese antique furniture -- the kind of handcrafted Japanese sewing box that becomes a treasured centerpiece in 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 and 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.