Antique Japanese Haribako Sewing Box, 1927 - 1945 (Early Showa) | SKU: 26M-556-9

Japanese Haribako Sewing Box | Vintage Jewelry Box & Desktop Organizer, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 26M-556-9

A handcrafted Japanese antique sewing box with a hinged lid compartment, multiple pull-out drawers, and original metal hardware -- a rare survivor of everyday domestic craft culture.

A haribako is a traditional Japanese sewing box used to store needles, thread, scissors, and other handcraft tools. This example, dating to the Early Showa period (1927--1945), is a fine specimen of handcrafted Japanese craft furniture built for daily household use. Constructed from a straight-grained hardwood aged to a deep reddish-brown, the box features a hinged split-lid top compartment -- secured with a decorative cloud-shaped brass clasp -- that opens to reveal a generous interior well, ideal for storing larger sewing notions. Below, a series of pull-out drawers in a stepped arrangement provide neatly organized storage, each fitted with cast metal bail pulls of varying designs: an arched bridge pull with scalloped mounts on one drawer, a shell-topped bail pull on another, and small brass knob pulls on the narrower lower drawers. Carved side cutouts serve as carry handles, and the overall construction reflects the clean, functional joinery typical of vintage Japanese craft.

Today, this haribako translates beautifully into a modern home as a versatile desktop organizer or bedside jewelry box -- its multiple compartments perfectly sized for rings, earrings, bracelets, and small keepsakes. Displayed on a vanity, home office desk, or bedroom dresser, it adds warmth and a wabi-sabi aesthetic to any space. The deep, lacquer-like patina of the aged wood pairs naturally with Japandi style interiors or mid-century modern settings alike. A compelling gift for collectors of Japanese antique furniture or as a unique housewarming gift for someone who appreciates handcrafted objects with a story.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Straight-grained hardwood (possibly keyaki or nara), cast metal hardware including brass bail pulls and brass knob pulls
• Use: Haribako -- traditional Japanese sewing and needlework storage box
• Modern Use: Jewelry box or vanity organizer; desktop storage for a home office; decorative accent in a Japandi or wabi-sabi styled living space
• Features: Hinged split-lid top compartment with decorative brass cloud clasp; multiple pull-out drawers in a stepped layout including wider full-width drawers and narrower side-by-side lower drawers; mixed hardware -- arched bail pulls with scalloped mounts, shell-topped bail pull, and small brass knob pulls; side carry-handle cutouts; rich dark patina throughout
• Dimensions: 12 1/2"W x 9"D x 11"H
• Condition: Good antique condition -- consistent with age; minor surface wear and light scuffs to the wood consistent with century-old domestic use; all drawers slide smoothly and hardware is intact

A beautifully aged piece of Japanese antique craft furniture that brings quiet history and handmade character to any modern interior.

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.