Japanese Haribako Sewing Box | Vintage Jewelry Box & Desk Organizer, 1966-1989 (Late Showa), SKU 25D-035-1

Japanese Haribako Sewing Box | Vintage Jewelry Box & Desk Organizer, 1966-1989 (Late Showa), SKU 25D-035-1

A striking multi-drawer haribako with a hidden top compartment, lined in kiri wood and wrapped in richly figured chestnut wood veneer.

A haribako is a traditional Japanese sewing box designed to keep needles, thread, scissors, and notions neatly organized and close at hand. This handcrafted Japanese antique example from the Late Showa era is built from boldly grained hardwood -- likely kuri (chestnut) -- whose swirling, flame-like figure gives each panel an almost painterly quality. The warm amber-to-mahogany tone deepens with age, and the lacquered finish retains a quiet luster that speaks to careful long-term use. Multiple pull-out drawers of graduated sizes are fitted with sleek dark metal bar pulls, while the entire case rests on a low plinth base that anchors its compact, chest-like silhouette. The interior drawer boxes are lined with pale kiri wood, prized in Japan for its light weight and natural moisture-regulating properties -- the same material used in fine kimono chests.

What makes this haribako especially collectible is the hidden compartment on top: a hinged panel lid -- secured by metal hinges and flush with the surface when closed -- opens to reveal a shallow, divided tray lined in kiri wood, ideal for the smallest and most precious items. In a modern home, this versatile piece adapts beautifully as a bedroom jewelry box and ring tray, a home office desk organizer for stationery and small tools, or a living room accent chest in a Japandi-style or wabi-sabi aesthetic setting. Its compact footprint and self-contained storage make it a thoughtful housewarming gift or a standout find for collectors of vintage Japanese craft.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Boldly grained hardwood exterior, possibly kuri (chestnut), with kiri wood interior drawer lining; dark metal bar pulls; metal hinges
• Use: Haribako -- traditional Japanese sewing and needlework storage box
• Modern Use: Jewelry box and ring tray; home office desk organizer; bedroom decor accent in Japandi or wabi-sabi interiors
• Features: Hidden compartment on top behind a flush hinged two-panel lid; divided kiri wood tray inside the top compartment; multiple graduated pull-out drawers with dark metal bar pulls; kiri wood interior throughout; low plinth base; striking flame-figure veneer on all exterior panels, kiri wood inside
• Dimensions: 13"W x 9 1/2"D x 10 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and functional piece of Japanese antique furniture -- the concealed top compartment and kiri wood interior make this haribako as practical today as it was beautiful then.

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.