Antique Japanese Haribako Sewing Box, 1927 - 1945 (Early Showa) | SKU: 26M-556-12

Japanese Haribako Sewing Box | Vintage Jewelry Box & Bedroom Organizer, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 26M-556-12

A handcrafted Japanese antique sewing box in richly figured burl wood, adorned with painted birds and blossoms

A haribako is a traditional Japanese sewing box used to store needles, thread, thimbles, and other needlework essentials. This beautifully crafted example dates to the Early Showa period (1927--1945), a time when Japanese domestic craft reached a refined peak blending traditional aesthetics with subtle Art Deco influence. The carcass is constructed from a warmly toned hardwood with a striking burl-figure veneer -- the swirling, flame-like grain suggests kaki (persimmon) or a similarly figured Japanese hardwood -- giving the piece an almost painterly surface quality. The hinged lid opens to reveal a shallow upper compartment, while the front face is organized into multiple pull-out drawers in a stepped arrangement, each fitted with a sleek metal bar pull. What truly sets this haribako apart is its hand-painted decoration: delicate cherry blossoms, leafy branches, and a charming songbird perched mid-flight are applied to the drawer fronts with careful brushwork, making this a standout example of vintage Japanese craft.

Today this haribako adapts beautifully to modern living. On a bedroom dresser it makes an elegant jewelry box and accessory organizer, its multiple drawers ideal for sorting rings, earrings, and small keepsakes. On a vanity or bathroom shelf it brings a wabi-sabi aesthetic to everyday routines, corralling beauty essentials with quiet charm. It also works wonderfully as a desktop stationery organizer in a home office, holding pens, paper clips, and notecards in Japandi style. With its warm honey tones, hand-painted nature motifs, and compact footprint, it makes a memorable housewarming gift or a thoughtful present for collectors and Japanophiles who appreciate genuinely handcrafted Japanese antique furniture.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Boldly figured burl hardwood, possibly kaki (persimmon); metal bar pulls; brass hinges
• Use: Haribako -- traditional Japanese sewing and needlework box
• Modern Use: Jewelry box and accessory organizer; vanity or bathroom organizer; desktop stationery storage in a home office
• Features: Hinged lid with brass hardware opening to a shallow interior compartment; multiple pull-out drawers in a stepped front layout, each with a metal bar pull; hand-painted floral and bird motifs (cherry blossoms, leafy branches, perched songbird) applied to drawer fronts; richly figured burl veneer throughout
• Dimensions: 11 1/2"W x 7"D x 9"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and charming piece of Japanese antique furniture -- this hand-painted haribako brings the beauty of Early Showa craftsmanship 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.