Vintage Japanese Haribako Sewing Box, Mid Showa, 1946-1965 | SKU: 26M-087-2

Vintage Japanese Haribako Sewing Box, Mid Showa, 1946-1965 | SKU: 26M-087-2

A richly lacquered Showa-era haribako with a hinged lid, multiple pull-out drawers, and the warm, swirling grain of boldly figured hardwood.

A haribako is a traditional Japanese sewing box used by women to organize needles, thread, scissors, and other needlework tools. This handsome example, dating to the Mid Showa (1946-1965), is crafted from a boldly grained hardwood -- possibly kaki (persimmon) -- finished in a deep reddish-brown lacquer that has mellowed beautifully with age. The exterior presents a compact, chest-like form sitting on a low plinth base, with a hinged lift-top lid revealing a shallow interior tray, and a well-organized arrangement of multiple pull-out drawers below. Each drawer slides smoothly on hand-fitted wooden runners and is fitted with a cast metal oval pull in the restrained, understated style typical of Showa-era Japanese vintage furniture. The drawer interiors retain their natural unfinished wood, a hallmark of honest handcrafted Japanese craft.

In a modern home, this vintage Japanese haribako is as versatile as it is beautiful. On a bedroom dresser, it makes an exceptional jewelry box and accessory organizer -- each shallow drawer perfectly sized for rings, earrings, and bracelets. On a home office desk, it works brilliantly as desktop organizer storage for stationery, business cards, or small tools, bringing a wabi-sabi aesthetic to any workspace. It would also look stunning as a living room accent piece displayed on a console or shelf, a unique housewarming gift for collectors and Japanophiles who appreciate the quiet elegance of Japandi style. The hinged lid adds a bonus compartment for larger flat items, making this piece as practical today as it was over a century ago.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Mid Showa, 1946-1965
• Material: Boldly grained hardwood, possibly kaki (persimmon), with deep reddish-brown lacquer finish; cast metal oval drawer pulls
• Use: Haribako -- traditional Japanese sewing and needlework box for storing thread, needles, and craft tools
• Modern Use: Jewelry box and accessory organizer for bedroom decor; desktop organizer for home office storage; decorative accent piece for living room or entryway
• Features: Hinged lift-top lid with shallow interior tray compartment; multiple pull-out drawers in an asymmetric stepped arrangement; each drawer fitted with a cast metal oval pull; smooth hand-fitted wooden drawer runners; unfinished natural wood drawer interiors; low plinth base
• Dimensions: 11 1/2"W x 7"D x 9"H
• Condition: Good vintage condition -- consistent with age; surface wear and minor scuffs to exterior lacquer; all drawers slide and function well; lid hinges intact

A rare and functional piece of Japanese vintage furniture -- this Showa-era haribako brings over a century of quiet craftsmanship and warm, swirling wood grain 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 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.