Vintage Japanese Haribako Small Chest of Drawers, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26M-725-2

Vintage Japanese Haribako Small Chest of Drawers, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26M-725-2

A handcrafted Japanese Haribako with boldly figured keyaki grain, a hinged lid compartment, and cast metal hardware -- compact vintage Japanese storage at its finest.

A ko-tansu is a small personal chest used in traditional Japanese households to organize keepsakes, stationery, sewing tools, and daily essentials within arm's reach. This Mid Showa example is constructed from boldly grained hardwood -- most likely keyaki (zelkova) -- whose sweeping, flame-like figure gives each drawer face a naturally expressive character. The carcass is solidly jointed, the drawer slides move smoothly, and the top panel is fitted with a pair of round brass hinges, suggesting a lidded compartment that opens to reveal additional concealed storage. Smaller drawers are fitted with cast metal flower-petal knobs, while the deeper lower drawers carry sculpted bail-style metal pulls -- a pleasing contrast of hardware styles typical of handcrafted Japanese vintage furniture from this postwar period.

In a modern home this vintage Japanese chest adapts beautifully to a variety of everyday uses. Set it on a bedroom dresser or vanity as a jewelry box and accessories organizer -- each drawer perfectly sized for rings, earrings, and folded scarves. On a home office desk it makes a charming desktop organizer for stationery, stamps, and small tools, lending a wabi-sabi aesthetic to an otherwise utilitarian workspace. It also works well in an entryway as a compact catchall for keys, cards, and daily essentials. A unique housewarming gift or a collector's piece for anyone passionate about Japandi style and handcrafted vintage Japanese craft.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Boldly grained hardwood, likely keyaki (zelkova); cast metal hardware; brass hinge fittings on lid
• Use: Personal storage chest -- originally used to organize sewing tools, keepsakes, and daily personal items
• Modern Use: Jewelry box and accessories organizer; desktop stationery and home office storage; entryway catchall or bedroom decor accent
• Features: Hinged two-panel lid with brass fittings revealing a top compartment; multiple pull-out drawers in a stepped asymmetric layout; smaller drawers fitted with cast metal flower-petal knobs; deeper drawers with sculpted bail-style metal pulls; solid construction with smooth-sliding drawers throughout
• Dimensions: 13"W x 7"D x 10"H
• Condition: Excellent

A striking piece of vintage Japanese craft -- this ko-tansu brings the quiet beauty of Mid Showa woodworking into any modern living space.

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 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.