Vintage Japanese “Kerorin” Medicine Box with Drawer, 1950s

Dimensions: height 11.5 cm, width 20 cm, depth 26 cm.

The box is made of wood, covered with red-brown printed paper, and fitted with a cardboard drawer with a small metal pull.

The black printed characters refer to the brand “Kerorin”, a popular painkiller and household remedy. On the front it reads, among other things: “Kerorin – for neuralgia, headaches and toothaches”. The large characters on the top say “home pharmacy / family medicine”, with the name of the Kuroda pharmacy below and a reference to the Toyama pharmaceutical district, known for its medicine industry.

Over the years the paper has developed a warm, aged patina with small frayed areas and signs of use – exactly what gives this little box so much character. The drawer still opens and closes smoothly and the inside is plain and neutral.

Today, this medicine box makes a atmospheric storage piece: perfect for pens and pencils, jewellery, keys, sewing supplies or other small items on a desk, sideboard or bedside table. A small graphic accent with a distinctly vintage Japanese feel.