Antique Japanese Keyaki Burlwood Haribako Two-Tier Sewing Chest 19.5"H

Antique Japanese Haribako (針箱) — Keyaki Burlwood Two-Tier Sewing Chest, Meiji–Taisho Period

Japan, late Meiji–Taisho period (circa 1900s–1920s)
9″W × 10″D × 19.5″H (23 × 25 × 50 cm)

A two-tier haribako in keyaki (Japanese zelkova), with bold burl figuring across the drawer fronts and case sides. The lower case holds five drawers with hand-forged iron pulls; a post rising from the back supports a separate hinged box with its own drawer and a distinctive hand-shaped pull.

Keyaki was prized in Japanese cabinetry for exactly this kind of dramatic, waved grain, carried consistently across the whole piece rather than a single showcase panel. Drawer interiors are lined in a lighter contrasting wood, and the original iron hardware shows a naturally darkened patina consistent with age.

Haribako held thread, needles, and sewing notions in a household; the raised accessory box on its own post is a feature seen on finer examples from this period.

Form: Haribako (sewing chest), two-tier form with a raised hinged accessory box on a post
Construction/Decoration: Keyaki burlwood case and drawer fronts; drawer interiors lined in a lighter contrasting wood; hand-forged iron drop-bail pulls, hand-shaped pull on the upper drawer
Mark:
Period: Late Meiji–Taisho, Japan (circa 1900s–1920s)
Dimensions: 9″W × 10″D × 19.5″H (23 × 25 × 50 cm)
Weight:
Condition: Attractive aged patina with expected surface wear and darkened hardware consistent with age; drawers appear to operate smoothly. No structural damage or repairs noted.