Vintage Japanese Haribako Sewing Chest, Early Showa | SKU: 26J-0575-1

Vintage Japanese Haribako Sewing Chest, Early Showa | SKU: 26J-0575-1

A beautifully compact Japanese haribako sewing chest in warm reddish wood, featuring a hinged top compartment and an asymmetrical arrangement of drawers with classic metal pulls.

A haribako is a traditional Japanese sewing chest designed to keep needlework tools neatly organized in a small footprint. This example has the characteristic asymmetrical facade associated with the form: a hinged compartment at the upper left and a stepped arrangement of drawers across the front. The wood shows a lively swirling grain with a rich reddish-brown tone, while the drawer interiors and upper compartment interior are finished dark, creating a pleasing contrast with the exterior. Hardware includes small round wooden pulls on the smaller drawers and curved metal handles on the wider drawers, with a simple metal fitting at the top lid.

Today, this vintage Japanese haribako is both practical and decorative. It works beautifully for sewing tools, thread, and notions, while also adapting easily to modern use on a desk, vanity, or shelf for organizing jewelry, stationery, craft supplies, or other small household essentials. Its compact size and balanced proportions make it an appealing accent piece, and the visible grain and aged surface give it a warm, lived-in character that suits wabi-sabi, vintage, and Japandi-inspired interiors.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Early Showa
• Material: Wood with metal handles and dark-finished interior surfaces
• Use: Traditional sewing chest for organizing needlework tools and small personal items
• Modern Use: Organizer for jewelry, stationery, sewing supplies, craft tools, or other small essentials
• Features: Hinged top compartment; multiple front drawers in an asymmetrical layout; small round pulls on upper drawers; curved metal handles on wider drawers; richly visible wood grain
• Dimensions: 13"W x 7 1/4"D x 9 3/4"H
• Condition: Vintage condition with age-appropriate wear

A charming and functional piece of vintage Japanese craftsmanship, offering compact organization and a strong decorative presence.

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.