Antique Japanese Kagobako Woven Basket Box, 1927 - 1945 (Early Showa) | SKU: 26M-984-1

Japanese Kagobako Woven Basket Box | Vintage Jewelry Box & Desktop Organizer, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 26M-984-1

A finely hand-woven bamboo box with a rich two-tone patina -- a rare surviving example of Japanese antique basketry from the Early Showa period.

A kagobako is a traditional Japanese lidded basket box, hand-woven from thin strips of bamboo and used to store personal belongings, correspondence, sewing tools, or small valuables in the home. This exceptional example was crafted during the Early Showa era, a period when Japan's bamboo weaving traditions -- refined over centuries -- were still practiced at the highest level of craftsmanship. The body and lid are woven in a tight, uniform grid pattern using split bamboo strips, with alternating dark espresso and warm amber tones creating a striking checkerboard effect across every surface. The edges of both the base and lid are finished with a neat diagonal binding that reinforces the structure and adds a refined visual frame. The overall form is low and rectangular, reflecting the understated elegance of vintage Japanese craft.

Today this handcrafted Japanese basket box translates beautifully into contemporary living spaces. On a bedroom dresser or nightstand, it makes an elegant jewelry box or keepsake holder with genuine wabi-sabi aesthetic appeal. In a home office, the shallow, open base -- revealed when the lid is removed -- functions as a stylish desk organizer for cards, stationery, or small supplies. It also sits beautifully on a living room shelf or entryway console as a standalone decorative accent, lending warmth and texture in a Japandi-style or minimalist decor setting. A thoughtful and unique gift for collectors, Japanophiles, or anyone who appreciates handmade antique objects.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Split bamboo, hand-woven
• Use: Lidded storage box for personal items, sewing tools, or correspondence
• Modern Use: Jewelry box or keepsake holder; desktop organizer for stationery or small accessories; decorative accent for shelf or entryway styling
• Features: Tight grid weave in alternating dark and amber bamboo strips; fitted lift-off lid; diagonal-bound edges on lid and base; low rectangular form; rich aged patina throughout
• Dimensions: 12"W x 9"D x 3"H
• Condition: Excellent

A beautifully preserved piece of Japanese antique basketry -- handwoven with quiet precision and ready to bring warmth, texture, and history to 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.