Vintage Japanese Haribako Sewing Box, 1966 - 1989 (Late Showa) | SKU: 26M-549

Japanese Haribako Sewing Box | Vintage Jewelry Box & Desktop Organizer, 1966-1989 (Late Showa), SKU 26M-549

A richly grained hardwood haribako with multiple drawers, a lift-out tray, a fold-down side panel, and a full suite of original sewing accessories -- a rare complete set in exceptional condition.

A haribako is a traditional Japanese sewing box used by women of the household to store needles, thread, thimbles, and mending tools close at hand. This handcrafted Japanese haribako dates to the Late Showa period and is constructed from a boldly figured hardwood -- possibly kuri (chestnut) -- whose swirling, flame-like grain lends a dramatic warmth to every surface. The exterior is finished to a deep amber-brown polish, and the joinery throughout is tight and precise, reflecting the high standard of Japanese craft woodworking that flourished in postwar domestic goods. The front presents multiple pull-out drawers fitted with slender brass bar pulls, while a small brass keyhole escutcheon secures a recessed side panel. Carved oval side handles allow the box to be carried with ease. Opening the lid reveals a removable, divided tray insert -- ideal for needles, pins, and small notions -- while the side panel folds away to expose a tall interior compartment fitted with a horizontal rail, likely for spooled thread. Original accessories accompany the box: a flat pressing board, a daruma-shaped pin cushion stand, a small square tray, and a folding leather tool holder, making this a genuinely complete vintage Japanese craft set.

In a modern home, this haribako transitions effortlessly from sewing room to living space. Its generous proportions and lustrous wood make it an outstanding jewelry box or vanity organizer for the bedroom -- the divided tray holds rings and earrings, the drawers keep bracelets and accessories sorted, and the tall side compartment is perfect for necklaces. On a home office desk it functions as a sophisticated desktop organizer, corralling pens, paper clips, USB drives, and small stationery with quiet, Japandi-style elegance. It would also shine on an entryway console as a catch-all for keys, cards, and everyday essentials. With its full set of original accessories and striking figured wood grain, this piece makes a truly unique gift for collectors, craft enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese antique furniture.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Boldly figured hardwood, possibly Kuri (chestnut) brass bar pulls and keyhole escutcheon; carved wood side handles; leather accessory holder
• Use: Haribako -- traditional Japanese household sewing box for storing needles, thread, thimbles, and mending tools
• Modern Use: Bedroom jewelry box and vanity organizer; home office desktop storage in a Japandi or wabi-sabi aesthetic; entryway catch-all for keys and daily essentials
• Features: Lift-off lid with removable divided interior tray; multiple pull-out drawers each fitted with a brass bar pull; fold-down side panel revealing a tall compartment with horizontal thread rail; carved oval side carry handles; brass keyhole escutcheon; complete set of original accessories including a flat pressing board, daruma-style pin cushion stand, small tray, and folding leather tool holder
• Dimensions: 12 1/2"W x 7 1/2"D x 10"H
• Condition: Excellent

A complete and collector-ready piece of handcrafted Japanese antique furniture -- rare to find with all original accessories intact, and beautiful enough to display in 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.