Antique Japanese Haribako Sewing Box, 1927 - 1945 (Early Showa) | SKU: 26M-556-10

Japanese Haribako Sewing Box | Vintage Jewelry Box & Desktop Organizer, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 26M-556-10

A handcrafted Japanese antique sewing chest with a hinged lid compartment, multiple pull-out drawers, and original cast metal ring pulls -- a rare and complete example of Early Showa domestic craftsmanship.

A haribako is a traditional Japanese sewing box used to store needles, thread, scissors, and other needlework essentials. This richly dark-stained example, dating to the Early Showa period (1927-1945), is a particularly well-appointed specimen of handcrafted Japanese antique furniture. The exterior is finished in a deep reddish-brown hardwood -- likely keyaki (zelkova) or a similarly close-grained domestic species -- with a warm linear grain that deepens in color along the sides and lid. The case is constructed in the classic haribako format: a hinged lift-top lid revealing a shallow divided tray for frequently accessed tools, above a tier of pull-out drawers fitted with paired cast metal ring pulls. The lowest row features a side-by-side arrangement of smaller drawers, offering additional compartmentalized storage. The drawer interiors are lined in a contrasting lighter wood, consistent with sugi (cryptomeria) secondary wood, typical of quality Japanese craft of this era. Each pull is finely detailed with a reeded texture, and the overall joinery is tight and precise -- a hallmark of vintage Japanese craft at its most functional.

Today, this haribako translates beautifully into modern interior use far beyond its original purpose. On a bedroom dresser or vanity, its multiple drawers and lid compartment make it an exceptional jewelry box and accessories organizer -- ideal for rings, earrings, bracelets, and hair accessories. In a home office, it serves as a refined desk organizer for stationery, business cards, or small tech accessories, adding a wabi-sabi aesthetic to any workspace. It also works as a bathroom organizer for cosmetics and grooming tools, or as a living room accent piece in a Japandi style setting. A thoughtful housewarming gift or unique gift for collectors of Japanese antique furniture, this haribako carries nearly a century of quiet, purposeful beauty.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Darkly stained hardwood exterior, possibly keyaki (zelkova); lighter secondary wood drawer interiors, likely sugi (cryptomeria); cast metal ring pulls
• Use: Traditional haribako -- Japanese sewing box for storing needles, thread, scissors, and needlework tools
• Modern Use: Jewelry box and accessories organizer; home office desk organizer; bathroom cosmetics storage
• Features: Hinged lift-top lid with divided interior tray; multiple full-width pull-out drawers; pair of smaller side-by-side drawers at base; paired cast metal ring pulls on each drawer; clean dovetail-style joinery; flat plinth base
• Dimensions: 12 1/2"W x 7 1/2"D x 11"H
• Condition: Excellent

A timeless piece of Japanese antique furniture -- this handcrafted haribako sewing box brings warmth, history, and quiet artisan character 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.