Antique Japanese Haribako Sewing Box, 1927 - 1945 (Early Showa) | SKU: 26M-556-11

Japanese Haribako Sewing Box | Antique Jewelry Box & Desktop Organizer, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 26M-556-11

A handcrafted Japanese sewing chest with a hinged lid compartment, multiple pull-out drawers, and a striking two-tone wood finish -- a rare survivor of the Early Showa craft tradition.

A haribako is a traditional Japanese sewing box used by women to store needles, thread, thimbles, and other needlework tools close at hand. This example, dating to the Early Showa period (1927-1945), exemplifies the refined domestic craftsmanship of the era -- a time when Japanese woodworkers blended traditional joinery with subtle Art Deco influences then sweeping the country. The box is constructed from two distinct woods: a boldly figured, dark-streaked hardwood -- possibly kaki (persimmon) -- used for the structural frame, lid panel, and corner posts, and a lighter, straight-grained wood for the drawer fronts and interior. The contrast creates a graphic, two-tone composition that reads as both functional and quietly elegant. The hinged lift-top opens to reveal a shallow interior compartment with a fitted wooden divider, ideal for the most-reached-for items, while multiple pull-out drawers below -- arranged in a stepped, asymmetric layout -- provide generous graduated storage. Each drawer is fitted with a slender oval metal pull in the restrained style typical of interwar Japanese craft.

Today, this vintage Japanese haribako translates beautifully into modern living spaces. Its compact footprint and wealth of compartments make it an outstanding jewelry box and bedside organizer -- rings, earrings, and bracelets slip naturally into the divided lid tray, while the drawers below hold watches, hair accessories, or folded scarves. On a home office desk it serves equally well as a desk organizer, corralling stationery, cables, and small supplies in style. The warm two-tone grain and clean geometric lines complement Japandi style and wabi-sabi aesthetic interiors alike, and the piece would make a truly unique housewarming gift for anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese antique furniture with a story to tell.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Two-tone hardwood construction -- boldly figured dark hardwood frame and lid, possibly kaki (persimmon); lighter straight-grained wood for drawer fronts and interior; oval metal drawer pulls
• Use: Haribako -- traditional Japanese sewing and needlework storage box
• Modern Use: Jewelry box and bedside organizer; desktop stationery and small-item storage; decorative accent for Japandi or wabi-sabi style interiors
• Features: Hinged lift-top lid with divided interior tray; multiple pull-out drawers in a stepped asymmetric layout with graduated sizing; each drawer fitted with an oval metal pull; two-tone figured wood frame with contrasting drawer fronts; solid base plinth
• Dimensions: 12"W x 7"D x 10"H
• Condition: Good -- consistent with age and use; all drawers slide smoothly; natural patina throughout

A beautifully crafted piece of Japanese antique furniture that brings the quiet elegance of Early Showa needlework culture 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 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.