Antique Japanese Haribako Sewing Box, 1927 - 1945 (Early Showa) | SKU: 26M-556-13

Japanese Haribako Sewing Box | Antique Jewelry Box & Desktop Organizer, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 26M-556-13

A beautifully figured Early Showa haribako with a hinged lid compartment, multiple pull-out drawers, and warm burled wood throughout -- a rare survivor of pre-war Japanese domestic craft.

A haribako is a traditional Japanese sewing box used to store needles, thread, thimbles, and other needlework essentials. In Japanese households, the haribako was a treasured daily-use object, often passed from mother to daughter as a mark of domestic care and refined taste. This handcrafted Japanese antique dates to the Early Showa period (1927-1945) and is constructed from a richly figured hardwood, likely kaki (persimmon) or a similarly burled Japanese species, displaying the swirling, flame-like grain patterns characteristic of high-quality pre-war cabinetry. The hinged lift-top lid opens to reveal a divided interior tray -- including a small removable insert box -- ideal for organizing the smallest notions. Below, multiple pull-out drawers of varying sizes are arranged in a stepped asymmetric layout typical of Japanese craft furniture of the era, each fitted with a cast metal bar pull in a period-appropriate ribbed style. The interior drawers are constructed from lighter unfinished wood, a hallmark of traditional Japanese joinery where secondary surfaces were left natural for practicality.

In a modern home, this vintage Japanese haribako adapts beautifully as a jewelry box and accessories organizer on a bedroom dresser -- its multiple compartments and drawers are perfectly sized for rings, earrings, bracelets, and watches. It also makes a striking desktop organizer in a home office, corralling pens, small tools, or stationery with old-world charm. The warm burled grain and compact rectangular form sit equally at home in a Japandi-style interior or a wabi-sabi aesthetic bedroom vignette. A unique and thoughtful gift for collectors, needlework enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese antique furniture -- this piece brings both function and quiet beauty to any living space.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Richly burled hardwood, possibly kaki (persimmon); lighter secondary wood for drawer interiors; cast metal bar pulls
• Use: Haribako -- traditional Japanese sewing and needlework storage box
• Modern Use: Jewelry box and accessories organizer; desktop organizer for home office; decorative accent piece for bedroom or living room decor
• Features: Hinged lift-top lid opening to a divided interior tray with removable insert box; multiple pull-out drawers in an asymmetric stepped layout; each drawer fitted with a ribbed cast metal bar pull; rounded lid edges; solid plinth base
• Dimensions: 11 1/2"W x 7"D x 9"H
• Condition: Good vintage condition -- consistent with age and use; wood retains warm patina and figuring throughout

A handcrafted piece of Japanese antique furniture that carries nearly a century of domestic history -- and slides seamlessly into the modern home as a jewelry box, organizer, or wabi-sabi accent.

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.