Vintage Japanese Haribako Sewing Chest, Taisho 1912-1926 | SKU: 26J-0160

Vintage Japanese Haribako Sewing Chest, Taisho 1912-1926 | SKU: 26J-0160

A compact black-finished Japanese haribako with a hinged top compartment and two pull drawers, full of practical charm and timeworn character.

Haribako are traditional Japanese sewing chests made for keeping everyday needlework tools close at hand. This petite example has a rectangular wood body with a dark painted exterior, a lift-up top section, and two drawers below fitted with shaped metal bail pulls. The interior of the drawers shows a warm natural wood tone that contrasts nicely with the black outer finish. Wear to the painted surface, small scratches, edge rubbing, and patina to the hardware all contribute to its lived-in vintage presence.

In a modern home, this vintage Japanese haribako can still serve beautifully for sewing supplies, embroidery tools, threads, thimbles, and other small handwork essentials. It also works well on a desk or shelf for organizing stationery, craft notions, or personal accessories while adding a quiet wabi-sabi accent. Its compact scale makes it easy to place in a studio, bedroom, or reading corner where useful storage and decorative character are equally welcome.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho)
• Material: Wood with dark painted finish; natural wood drawer interiors; metal bail handles; metal hinges
• Use: Haribako sewing chest for storing needlework tools and sewing accessories
• Modern Use: Sewing organizer, craft storage, desk organizer, or decorative accent for wabi-sabi and Japandi interiors
• Features: Hinged top compartment; two pull drawers; dark exterior finish; warm natural wood drawer interiors; aged metal hardware
• Dimensions: 9 1/2"W x 6 1/2"D x 7 3/4"H
• Condition: Good vintage condition consistent with age -- surface scratches, finish wear, edge rubbing, and patina to hardware; drawers and hinged top present

A useful and appealing piece of vintage Japanese craftsmanship, this haribako brings handmade utility and understated character to everyday living.

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.