Antique Japanese Haribako Sewing Box, 1927 - 1945 (Early Showa) | SKU: 26M-556-7

Japanese Haribako Sewing Box | Vintage Jewelry Box & Desktop Organizer, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 26M-556-7

A finely crafted Early Showa haribako displaying richly figured burl veneer panels framed by boldly patterned wood borders -- a rare combination of superb materials and thoughtful design.

A haribako is a traditional Japanese sewing box used to store needles, thread, thimbles, and other needlework essentials. Crafted during the Early Showa period, this handcrafted Japanese haribako showcases an exceptional contrast of materials: smooth, swirling burl veneer drawer fronts set within borders of dramatically flame-patterned wood -- likely sen (castor aralia) or a similarly textured native hardwood -- that wrap the entire exterior including the sides and base. The hinged lift-top lid conceals a shallow compartmented tray ideal for storing small tools at a glance, while multiple pull-out drawers below -- arranged in a stepped layout with a taller drawer on the right side -- offer generous organized storage. Each drawer is fitted with a small round knob in dark patinated metal. The joinery is clean and the drawers slide with satisfying precision, a testament to the skill of the craftsman who built it.

In today's home, this vintage Japanese sewing box transitions effortlessly into a striking bedroom decor accent or dressing table organizer -- the perfect jewelry box for rings, earrings, and small accessories. The compact footprint makes it equally at home on a home office desk as a stationery and keepsake organizer, or displayed on a living room shelf as a wabi-sabi aesthetic statement piece. Its warm amber tones and striking two-texture wood surfaces pair beautifully with Japandi style interiors and mid-century modern spaces alike. A truly unique housewarming gift or gift for collectors of Japanese antique furniture and vintage Japanese craft.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Burl veneer drawer fronts on a hardwood carcass; exterior frame and borders in boldly flame-patterned wood, possibly sen (castor aralia); dark patinated metal knobs
• Use: Haribako -- traditional Japanese sewing and needlework storage box
• Modern Use: Jewelry box or dressing table organizer; desktop stationery and keepsake storage; decorative accent in a Japandi or wabi-sabi styled room
• Features: Hinged lift-top lid with metal clasp fittings revealing a shallow divided tray; multiple pull-out drawers in a stepped arrangement, each fitted with a round metal knob; striking two-texture exterior combining swirling burl veneer panels with flame-patterned wood borders wrapping all sides
• Dimensions: 11 1/2"W x 7"D x 9"H
• Condition: Good antique condition consistent with age; minor surface wear to hardware and wood; all drawers function smoothly

A beautifully preserved piece of Japanese antique craft -- this Early Showa haribako brings warmth, character, and artisanal detail 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.