Vintage Japanese Haribako Sewing Chest, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0820

Vintage Japanese Haribako Sewing Chest, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0820

A handcrafted mid-century Japanese sewing chest in warm tamo wood, complete with its signature side-mounted thread holder arm.

A haribako is a traditional Japanese sewing box used to keep needles, thread, scissors, and other needlework tools neatly organized and close at hand. This compact tabletop example, likely crafted during the postwar Mid Showa era, showcases the understated elegance typical of vintage Japanese craft from that period. Constructed from tamo (Japanese ash), the body displays a fine straight grain with a warm honey tone that has deepened beautifully with age. A hinged lift-top lid -- secured by a blackened iron hinge -- covers the upper storage section, while multiple pull-out drawers below provide organized compartments for smaller tools and notions. Each drawer is fitted with a shaped black metal drop-ring pull, the scrolled backplate adding a delicate decorative touch consistent with mid-century Japanese vintage furniture. The most distinctive feature is the hinged side arm terminating in a small open wooden box -- a characteristic element of Japanese haribako design, associated with holding thread spools or similar sewing accessories during use. The piece rests on a clean plinth base, giving it a grounded, composed profile.

This charming vintage Japanese sewing box transitions effortlessly into a modern home. Its compact footprint and multiple compartments make it an ideal jewelry box or bedroom decor accent -- perfect for organizing rings, earrings, and small keepsakes on a vanity or dresser top. In a home office, it works beautifully as a desk organizer for stationery, washi tape, or art supplies. The warm tamo grain and matte black hardware suit a Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic equally well, adding quiet character to any shelf or side table. A truly unique housewarming gift or gift for collectors of vintage Japanese craft.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Tamo wood (Japanese ash); blackened metal hardware
• Use: Haribako -- traditional Japanese sewing box for storing needlework tools, thread, and notions
• Modern Use: Jewelry box or vanity organizer; home office desk storage; decorative accent for Japandi or wabi-sabi styled interiors
• Features: Hinged lift-top lid with blackened iron hinge; multiple pull-out drawers each fitted with a shaped drop-ring metal pull; distinctive side-mounted hinged arm with small open box, associated with thread or spool storage; clean plinth base; warm straight-grain tamo construction throughout
• Dimensions: 13"W x 7"D x 10"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and functional piece of vintage Japanese craft -- the haribako brings timeless warmth, quiet utility, and handmade character 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 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.