Antique Japanese Haribako Sewing Box, 1927 - 1945 (Early Showa) | SKU: 26M-556-5

Japanese Haribako Sewing Box | Vintage Jewelry Box & Desktop Organizer, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 26M-556-5

A handcrafted Japanese antique sewing chest in boldly figured hardwood -- complete with a hinged lid compartment and multiple graduated drawers.

A haribako is a traditional Japanese sewing box used by women to store needles, thread, thimbles, and other needlework essentials. This Early Showa example is a particularly fine specimen of vintage Japanese craft, constructed from a boldly grained hardwood -- possibly kaki (persimmon) -- whose dramatic dark-and-amber striping gives the piece an almost Art Deco character entirely in keeping with the era. The exterior is finished in a deep lacquer-like coating that deepens the natural figure of the wood, while the interior reveals clean, unfinished kiri-style softwood lining throughout the drawers and lid compartment. The front face features a stepped arrangement of multiple pull-out drawers of varying sizes, each fitted with a modest metal bar pull that has developed a pleasing patina over nearly a century of use.

Today this handsome haribako transitions effortlessly into a modern home. Its hinged lid reveals a shallow divided tray -- ideal as a jewelry box for rings, earrings, and small accessories -- while the graduated drawers below offer organized bedroom decor storage for everything from cosmetics to craft supplies. On a home office desk it makes a striking desktop organizer with a wabi-sabi aesthetic, corralling stationery, USB drives, and small tools in style. The rich, wavy grain and compact footprint also make it a natural living room accent piece -- a unique housewarming gift or gift for Japanophiles who appreciate the quiet beauty of Japanese antique furniture.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Boldly grained hardwood, possibly kaki (persimmon), with softwood secondary wood; metal bar pulls
• Use: Haribako -- traditional Japanese sewing and needlework storage box
• Modern Use: Jewelry box or vanity organizer; desktop organizer for a home office; decorative accent or bedside storage in a Japandi-style bedroom
• Features: Hinged lift-top lid with divided interior tray and removable insert; multiple graduated pull-out drawers in an asymmetric stepped layout; each drawer fitted with a metal bar pull; rich dark lacquer-like exterior finish; clean softwood drawer interiors
• Dimensions: 12 1/2"W x 8"D x 10"H
• Condition: Good vintage condition -- surface wear and patina consistent with age; all drawers slide smoothly; lid hinges intact

A compelling piece of Japanese antique furniture that brings nearly a century of quiet craftsmanship and wabi-sabi warmth 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.