Vintage Japanese Haribako Sewing Box, 1946 - 1965 (Mid Showa) | SKU: 26M-970

Japanese Haribako Sewing Box | Vintage Jewelry Box & Desk Organizer, 1946-1965 (Mid Showa), SKU 26M-970

A boldly grained mid-century haribako with a hinged lid, multiple pull-out drawers, and richly swirling kaki-like wood veneers -- a standout piece of vintage Japanese craft.

A haribako is a traditional Japanese sewing box designed to keep needles, thread, scissors, and other needlework essentials neatly organized at hand. This handcrafted example, dating to the postwar Mid Showa period (1946-1965), displays an exceptionally vivid wood surface -- panels of deeply figured, swirling grain in warm amber and dark burgundy tones consistent with kaki (persimmon) or a similarly boldly marked Japanese hardwood. The front facade is laid out in a classic asymmetric drawer arrangement typical of period haribako: several pull-out drawers of varying widths fitted with brass bar pulls, while the top lifts open on metal hinges to reveal a divided interior tray with a removable insert -- the traditional space reserved for a pincushion or rolled thread. The plain-grained sides and top contrast beautifully with the dramatic figured front panels, a deliberate design choice that showcases the finest cuts of the wood. Construction is solid and precise, with dovetail-joined drawer boxes and smooth-sliding action that speaks to the skill of a practiced Japanese antique furniture maker.

Today this vintage Japanese sewing box translates seamlessly into a stylish bedroom decor accent or home office storage solution. Use it as a jewelry box on a dresser -- the divided lid tray is perfectly sized for rings and earrings, while the multiple drawers corral bracelets, watches, and accessories with ease. On a writing desk it makes a striking desk organizer for stationery, stamps, or small tech accessories, its wabi-sabi aesthetic adding warmth to any Japandi style interior. It also works beautifully as a gift for collectors or as a unique housewarming gift for anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese antique furniture with genuine character and age.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Boldly figured hardwood, possibly kaki (persimmon), with plain-grained secondary wood interior; brass bar pulls; metal hinge hardware
• Use: Haribako -- traditional Japanese sewing and needlework box
• Modern Use: Jewelry box or accessories organizer for bedroom decor; desk organizer for home office storage; decorative accent in a Japandi style or wabi-sabi interior
• Features: Hinged lift-top lid with divided interior tray and removable insert; multiple pull-out drawers in an asymmetric layout, each fitted with a brass bar pull; dramatically swirling figured wood veneer panels on front and lid; smooth-sliding dovetail-joined drawer construction; side carry handles
• Dimensions: 12"W x 7"D x 9 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A timeless piece of vintage Japanese craft -- this haribako brings the warmth of Mid Showa artisanship and the beauty of boldly grained hardwood into 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.