Vintage Japanese Kabazaiku Lidded Box with Drawer, Floral Inlay and Shell Inlay Lid, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0697-2

Vintage Japanese Kabazaiku Lidded Box with Drawer, Floral Inlay and Shell Inlay Lid, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0697-2

A handcrafted kabazaiku lidded box with floral inlay lid and pull-out drawer -- a rare example of Akita folk artistry

A kabazaiku box is a traditional Japanese craft object clad entirely in the bark of the wild mountain cherry tree (yamazakura), a technique originating in the Kakunodate district of Akita Prefecture. Strips of bark are carefully selected, polished, and applied over a wood body to create a richly mottled surface that ripples with warm amber and deep reddish-brown tones -- no two pieces are ever identical. This vintage example displays the craft at an elevated level: the lift-off lid is adorned with a carved floral vine composition, with deeply relief-cut petals and leaves set against the bark ground, each blossom centered with an iridescent shell inlay medallion ringed by fine gold line work. The roomy interior tray reveals a smooth, warm-grained wood lining, while a shallow pull-out drawer at the base -- fitted with a small cast metal ring pull -- adds a discreet second storage tier. This is a fine piece of handcrafted Japanese folk art that serious collectors of vintage Japanese craft will appreciate.

In a modern home, this kabazaiku box transitions effortlessly from cultural artifact to functional accent. Its generous open tray is ideal as a jewelry box or bedroom organizer -- a beautiful place to corral rings, earrings, and keepsakes with a wabi-sabi aesthetic. The shallow drawer below is perfectly sized for smaller items such as hair pins, cufflinks, or folded notes, making it equally at home on a home office desk as a premium stationery organizer. Its warm, earthy palette and sculptural lid make it a compelling living room accent piece displayed on a shelf or coffee table in a Japandi-style interior. A truly unique housewarming gift or gift for Japanophiles who appreciate the beauty of regional Japanese craft traditions.

• Origin: Japan, Akita region (Kakunodate kabazaiku tradition)
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Yamazakura (wild mountain cherry) bark veneer over wood body; interior lined with clear-grained hardwood; shell inlay and gold line decoration on lid; cast metal ring pull on drawer
• Use: Personal storage box for small accessories, stationery, or keepsakes
• Modern Use: Jewelry box or bedroom dresser organizer; home office desk accessory for stationery storage; decorative accent for Japandi or wabi-sabi styled shelving
• Features: Lift-off lid with carved floral vine motif, shell inlay blossom centers, and gold line detailing; deep open storage tray with warm wood-lined interior; shallow pull-out drawer at base with cast metal ring pull; characteristic kabazaiku bark surface throughout
• Dimensions: 10 1/4"W x 13"D x 5 1/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and tactile piece of vintage Japanese folk craft -- the kind of handmade Japanese vintage storage box that brings warmth, texture, and quiet artistry to 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.