Antique Japanese Haribako Sewing Box, 1920s

A refined Japanese haribako, or traditional sewing box, with richly figured wood, warm amber-brown tones and a practical layout for small materials.

Dimensions: height 22.5 cm, width 28.5 cm, depth 28 cm.

This antique Japanese sewing box dates from the Taishō period, c. 1920. The exterior is made from beautifully figured mulberry wood, with a lively grain pattern that gives the piece a particularly rich and expressive appearance. The lighter interior is made from kiri, paulownia wood, a traditional material often used in Japan for storage boxes and small cabinets.

The layout is compact yet highly functional: the top section opens to reveal a spacious storage compartment, while the front contains four drawers in varying sizes. The black metal handles and understated fittings give the piece a quiet, distinctly Japanese character.

Originally, a haribako was used to store sewing supplies such as thread, needles, scissors and small textile tools. Today, this piece also works beautifully as a storage box for jewellery, writing materials, watches, valuables or personal objects.

It displays elegantly on a desk, cabinet, console or in a calm Japanese-inspired interior setting.

The box is in very beautiful used condition, with light signs of age consistent with its age and material. An elegant and practical Japanese object where craftsmanship, functionality and warm wood expression come together beautifully.