Antique Japanese Tamo Ash Haribako Sewing Box with Hinged Lid and Drawers, Taisho era, 1912-1926 | SKU: 26M-859

Antique Japanese Tamo Haribako Sewing Box with Hinged Lid and Drawers, Taisho era, 1912-1926 | SKU: 26M-859

A boldly figured Tamo haribako with a hinged lid, interior tray, and mixed-size drawers -- a masterwork of Taisho-era Japanese antique craft.

A haribako is a traditional Japanese sewing box used to store needles, thread, scissors, and other needlework essentials. This exceptional example, almost certainly crafted during the Taisho period (1912-1926), is built from boldly grained hardwood with dramatic swirling figure consistent with Tamo Ash -- one of the most prized Japanese cabinet woods of the era. The exterior panels showcase a warm amber-to-mahogany tone with deeply undulating grain that gives each face a painterly, almost woodblock-printed quality. The joinery is tight and precise, reflecting the hand-skills of a confident regional craftsman. Cast metal bail handles with fluted rosette mounts anchor each drawer front, their dark patina a beautiful counterpoint to the luminous wood grain.

Inside, this handcrafted Japanese sewing box reveals a thoughtfully organized interior: a hinged top panel opens to a shallow compartment fitted with a removable interior tray -- ideal for pins, rings, or small keepsakes -- while the front offers multiple pull-out drawers in a stepped, asymmetric layout that includes a small side compartment with a round knob pull. Today this piece transitions effortlessly into modern living as a bedroom decor accent and jewelry box, a home office desktop organizer for stationery and small tools, or a living room accent piece displayed on a console or shelf. Its compact proportions and wabi-sabi aesthetic make it a standout gift for collectors of Japanese antique furniture or a unique housewarming gift for lovers of Japandi style.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho)
• Material: Boldly figured hardwood, likely Tamo Ash; secondary wood interior; cast metal bail handles with fluted rosette terminals
• Use: Haribako -- traditional Japanese sewing and needlework storage box
• Modern Use: Jewelry box or vanity organizer; desktop stationery and small-item storage; decorative accent for a Japandi-style living room or bedroom
• Features: Hinged lift-top lid revealing a shallow interior compartment with removable tray; multiple pull-out drawers in an asymmetric stepped layout; small side compartment with round knob pull; richly figured grain on all exterior faces; original cast metal bail handles throughout
• Dimensions: 11 1/2"W x 7"D x 9"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and beautifully preserved piece of Japanese antique furniture -- where century-old craftsmanship meets effortless modern versatility.

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.