Antique Japanese Haribako Sewing Box Meiji Keyaki/Tamo Wood Brass Hardware Drawe

A rare and finely crafted Japanese sewing/needlework box (針箱, haribako) of exceptional quality. Unlike the typical mass-produced examples, this piece reflects the work of a skilled craftsman, likely made to order for a discerning client.

✦ Wood & Construction The exterior panels feature a stunning figured wood grain — likely Tamo (Japanese ash, Fraxinus mandshurica) or Keyaki (zelkova), prized for its dramatic "peanut" and swirling burl-like figure. The sides and interior structural elements are crafted from straight-grained wood (cedar/pine), a refined combination balancing beauty with strength. Joinery throughout is precise hand-cut dovetail (arigu-mi), a hallmark of quality Japanese cabinetwork.

✦ Lid & Interior The bi-fold hinged lid opens to reveal a spacious interior tray with subdivided compartments for needles, threads, and small notions. A secondary hidden inner tray/panel conceals additional storage beneath. A distinctive crescent moon-shaped finger-pull is carved into each side — both functional and elegantly decorative.

✦ Drawers The front features a well-organized arrangement of drawers in varying sizes (2 narrow drawers + 1 side door cabinet + 1 full-width drawer), each sliding smoothly. Interiors are unfinished natural wood with traces of original use — character consistent with age.

✦ Hardware All hardware is brass or copper-alloy, hand-engraved with fine foliate and floral scroll motifs. The drawer pulls feature detailed karakusa (arabesque) designs on shaped backplates. Lid hinges are cloud/flower-shaped openwork brass. The locking hasp on the side door is a shaped cloud-form fitting. Hardware shows beautiful aged patina — original throughout.