Vintage Japanese Woven Bamboo Lidded Storage Box, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26J-0252-2

Vintage Japanese Woven Bamboo Lidded Storage Box, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26J-0252-2

A handcrafted vintage Japanese bamboo storage box with fitted lid -- dark-stained split bamboo weave in the wabi-sabi tradition.

A woven bamboo lidded box of this style is a classic example of Japanese bamboo craft known as take zaiku, a tradition practiced across rural and artisan workshops throughout the Showa era. Flat split bamboo strips are woven in a tight plain-weave pattern to form both the shallow tray base and the fitted lid, which seats neatly over the body. The strips have been treated to a rich dark reddish-brown stain that deepens toward near-black at the corners, lending the piece the warm, aged patina prized by collectors of vintage Japanese craft. The interior weave is slightly more open than the exterior, a hallmark of hand-assembled bamboo boxes where the basket body and lid are constructed as complementary but distinct pieces. Edges and corners are cleanly finished, reflecting the care typical of mid-to-late Showa period artisan production.

In a modern home, this versatile flat box earns its place in a number of settings. Use it on a bedroom dresser or bathroom vanity as a jewelry organizer or catch-all for small accessories -- its shallow depth keeps items visible and easy to reach. On a home office desk it serves beautifully as a desk organizer for correspondence, cards, or stationery, in keeping with a Japandi style or minimalist decor scheme. It also makes a striking living room accent piece when displayed on a coffee table or shelf, holding decorative objects or simply standing on its own as a sculptural example of handcrafted Japanese bamboo art. A thoughtful housewarming gift or gift for collectors of Japanese vintage craft.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Dark-stained split bamboo strips; paper lining possible but not confirmed
• Use: General small-item storage; fitted lid box for household or personal objects
• Modern Use: Jewelry organizer or vanity tray; home office desk organizer for stationery and cards; living room accent or decorative display piece
• Features: Tight plain-weave exterior; more open interior weave; fitted separate lid; neatly finished corners and edges; rich dark reddish-brown stain with tonal variation
• Dimensions: 11 1/2"W x 8 1/2"D x 2 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A beautifully made piece of vintage Japanese bamboo craft -- tactile, functional, and quietly striking in any modern interior.

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.