Antique Japanese Haribako Sewing Box, 1927 - 1945 (Early Showa) | SKU: 26M-556-4

Japanese Haribako Sewing Box | Antique Jewelry Box & Desktop Organizer, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 26M-556-4

A striking Early Showa haribako with boldly figured wood, a hinged lid compartment, and multiple pull-out drawers -- handcrafted Japanese antique storage at its finest.

A haribako is a traditional Japanese sewing box used by women to organize needles, thread, thimbles, and other needlework tools. This exceptional example, dating to the Early Showa period (1927-1945), is crafted from a boldly grained hardwood -- most likely kaki (persimmon) -- whose dramatic swirling dark-on-amber figure dominates every surface. The exterior case is finished in a deep reddish-brown lacquer that frames the wild grain of each drawer front like a painting, a hallmark of the finest vintage Japanese craft. The joinery is tight and precise, reflecting the high standards of pre-war Japanese woodworking. Each drawer slides smoothly and is fitted with a cast metal bar pull of elegant, slightly sculpted form -- a refined detail consistent with the restrained Art Deco sensibility that influenced Japanese decorative arts during this era.

Today this handcrafted Japanese haribako translates beautifully into modern living spaces. Use it as a jewelry box on a bedroom dresser -- each drawer perfectly sized for rings, earrings, and bracelets -- or place it on a vanity as a cosmetics and accessories organizer. On a home office desk it works equally well as a desktop organizer for stationery, memory cards, or small tech accessories, adding warmth and wabi-sabi aesthetic to an otherwise utilitarian workspace. Its compact footprint and museum-worthy grain make it a natural fit for Japandi-style interiors or minimalist decor. A thoughtful and unique housewarming gift or gift for collectors of Japanese antique furniture.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Boldly figured hardwood exterior, possibly kaki (persimmon), with lighter wood secondary interior; cast metal bar pulls; deep lacquer finish on case
• Use: Haribako -- traditional Japanese sewing and needlework storage box
• Modern Use: Jewelry box or vanity organizer; desktop organizer for home office; decorative accent piece in bedroom or living room
• Features: Hinged lift-top lid revealing a divided interior compartment; multiple pull-out drawers in an asymmetric staggered layout; each drawer fitted with a cast metal bar pull; dramatic swirling grain throughout; original lacquer finish; lighter wood secondary construction visible on drawer interiors
• Dimensions: 11 1/2"W x 7"D x 9"H
• Condition: Good antique condition -- consistent with age and use; drawers slide smoothly; original hardware intact

A rare Early Showa haribako with museum-quality figured wood grain -- an enduring piece of Japanese antique craft ready to bring warmth and history 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.