Antique Japanese Haribako Sewing Box, 1927 - 1945 (Early Showa) | SKU: 26M-556-14

Japanese Haribako Sewing Box | Antique Jewelry Box & Vanity Organizer, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 26M-556-14

A richly lacquered Early Showa haribako adorned with a hand-painted ho-o phoenix in gold, red, and ochre against a deep black ground.

A haribako is a traditional Japanese sewing box used by women to organize needles, thread, thimbles, and other needlework essentials. This handcrafted Japanese antique dates to the Early Showa period (1927-1945) and exemplifies the refined domestic craft objects produced for middle- and upper-class households of that era. The exterior is finished in deep black lacquer with a crimson-edged border, and the entire front face carries a sweeping ho-o (phoenix) composition rendered in gold, amber, red, and soft grey -- a motif long associated with auspicious fortune and feminine elegance in Japanese decorative arts. The interior reveals unfinished paulownia-tone wood throughout, typical of quality Japanese craft construction, with a hinged lid opening to a shallow tray fitted with removable subdivided compartments for small notions, and multiple pull-out drawers below, each fitted with a cast metal bar pull, providing generous tiered storage for sewing supplies.

Today this striking haribako transitions beautifully from the sewing room into the modern home as a statement bedroom decor piece or vanity organizer. The hinged top tray is ideal for storing rings, earrings, and small jewelry, while the pull-out drawers accommodate cosmetics, hair accessories, or desk supplies -- making it an eye-catching jewelry box or home office organizer. Its bold wabi-sabi aesthetic and Japandi-style black lacquer silhouette complement both minimalist and eclectic interiors equally well. A truly unique gift for collectors of Japanese antique furniture, Japanophiles, or anyone who appreciates handcrafted vintage Japanese craft with genuine historical character.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Wood with black lacquer exterior; unfinished lightweight wood interior (likely kiri -- paulownia); cast metal bar pulls
• Use: Haribako -- traditional Japanese sewing box for storing needlework tools and notions
• Modern Use: Jewelry box or vanity organizer; bedroom decor accent; home office desk organizer
• Features: Deep black lacquer exterior with crimson border trim; hand-painted ho-o phoenix motif in gold, red, amber, and grey spanning the full drawer front; hinged lift-top lid with removable subdivided interior tray; multiple pull-out drawers each fitted with a cast metal bar pull; unfinished natural wood drawer interiors
• Dimensions: 12 1/2"W  x 8"D x 10"H
• Condition: Good antique condition -- lacquer shows light surface scratches and minor wear consistent with age; all drawers slide smoothly; painted decoration intact and vivid

A stunning piece of Japanese antique furniture that brings the timeless beauty of Early Showa lacquerwork 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.