Antique Japanese Haribako Sewing Box, 1912 - 1926 (Taisho) | SKU: 26M-830

Japanese Haribako Sewing Box | Antique Jewelry Box & Desk Organizer, 1912-1926 (Taisho), SKU 26M-830

A handcrafted Taisho-era haribako in boldly figured hardwood -- a rare find for collectors of vintage Japanese craft.

A haribako is a traditional Japanese sewing box used by women to store 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) -- whose dramatic swirling grain gives the piece a warmth and visual depth that few antiques can rival. The front face of each drawer is bookmatched to showcase the wood's natural figure to stunning effect, finished with a deep amber lacquer that has mellowed beautifully over a century of use. The carcass sides are built from a contrasting straight-grained hardwood, likely nara (oak), joined with precise hand-cut joinery visible at the corners. Brass-toned ring pulls and a single round knob add understated elegance to the facade, while the hinged split-lid top conceals a deep open compartment fitted with a removable inner tray -- a hallmark feature of the classic haribako form. This is a fine example of Japanese antique furniture from a period celebrated for its refined blend of Meiji-era tradition and early Western influence.

Today this handcrafted Japanese sewing box translates effortlessly into modern living. Placed on a bedroom dresser, it becomes a beautiful jewelry box -- its multiple graduated drawers and lidded top compartment ideal for rings, earrings, bracelets, and keepsakes. On a home office desk it serves as a distinguished desk organizer, corralling stationery, pens, small notebooks, and cards with the quiet elegance of wabi-sabi aesthetic. It would also shine as a living room accent piece on a console or shelf in a Japandi-style interior, displaying curios or housing remotes and small sundries with understated charm. A truly unique housewarming gift or gift for collectors and Japanophiles who appreciate the beauty of antique Japanese woodcraft.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho)
• Material: Boldly figured hardwood, possibly kaki (persimmon), with straight-grained hardwood carcass sides; brass-toned metal ring pulls and round knob; hinged lid with metal fittings
• Use: Haribako -- traditional Japanese sewing box for storing needlework tools and supplies
• Modern Use: Jewelry box and keepsake organizer; home office desk organizer; decorative accent piece in Japandi or wabi-sabi styled interiors
• Features: Hinged split-lid top opening to a deep compartment with removable inner tray; multiple graduated drawers in a stepped asymmetric layout; one small drawer with round knob pull; hand-cut corner joinery; richly figured drawer fronts with bookmatched grain; aged amber lacquer finish
• Dimensions: 12"W x 7"D x 10 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A century-old masterpiece of vintage Japanese craft -- this haribako brings warmth, history, and natural beauty 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 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.