Antique Japanese Haribako Sewing Box, 1927 - 1945 (Early Showa) | SKU: 26M-556-8

Japanese Haribako Sewing Box | Vintage Jewelry Box & Desktop Organizer, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 26M-556-8

A handcrafted Early Showa haribako with richly grained drawer fronts and cast metal pulls -- compact, elegant, and remarkably well-preserved.

A haribako is a traditional Japanese sewing box used to store needles, thread, scissors, and other needlework essentials. This example, dating to the Early Showa period (1927--1945), is a fine specimen of vintage Japanese craft, built from a boldly figured hardwood -- likely nara (Japanese oak) -- finished in a warm reddish-lacquer tone that has deepened beautifully with age. The drawer fronts display a striking swirling grain that gives the piece an almost painterly quality, and the clean rectilinear carcass reflects the restrained, practical aesthetic that defined Japanese domestic furniture of the era. Each drawer is fitted with a cast metal bail pull featuring decorative scrollwork at the mounts -- a refined touch that elevates the piece above purely utilitarian storage.

Today this handsome haribako translates effortlessly into a modern home. Its compact footprint and multiple pull-out drawers make it an ideal vintage jewelry box for a bedroom dresser or vanity, keeping rings, earrings, and bracelets neatly sorted. It works equally well as a home office desk organizer -- corralling stationery, USB drives, or craft supplies with understated style. Collectors of Japanese antique furniture will also appreciate it as a standalone display piece, bringing a wabi-sabi aesthetic warmth to a bookshelf or side table. It would make a memorable gift for Japanophiles or anyone who appreciates the quiet beauty of handcrafted Japanese objects.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Boldly grained hardwood, possibly nara (Japanese oak); lacquer finish; cast metal bail pulls; light-wood secondary wood drawer interiors
• Use: Haribako -- traditional Japanese sewing and needlework storage box
• Modern Use: Vintage jewelry box for bedroom or vanity; desktop organizer for home office; decorative accent piece on a bookshelf or side table
• Features: Multiple pull-out drawers with smooth-sliding action; boldly figured drawer fronts with swirling grain; decorative cast metal bail pulls with scrollwork mounts; flat overhanging top; low bracket feet; clean unadorned side panels
• Dimensions: 11 1/2"W x 7"D x 9"H
• Condition: Excellent

A beautifully preserved piece of Japanese antique furniture -- compact enough for any modern space, yet rich with the craftsmanship and quiet character of Early Showa Japan.

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.