This is a late Meiji (1910) antique haribako (sewing box) with a unique arrangement of six drawers and an extended lidded cushion, pin, ruler storage box with one small drawer . All drawers are removable . This type of tansu chest was used to store valuables as well as equipment for the person of the house to do repairs on Kimono and bedding as well as money and valuables.The intention of the elevated pin cushion area (see pictures 8 & 9) was to raise it to a level of one working while seated on the tatami floor.
This haribako has a fine-grained solid keyaki (zelkova) wood exterior (with a deep aged patina) with interior made of Japanese sugi (cryptomeria wood) as well as a copper gumpai style drawer handle on the three drawers (see pictures 16 & 17). This chest shows a high degree of craftsmanship as it has been constructed with overlap joint and wooden pins (see pictures 13 & 14).This chest has been well used yet well loved and with the exception of very minor wear as seen in my enlarged pictures, (some minor shrinkage to wood on back side (see picture ) and slightly loose pincushion hinge (picture 8) this chest remains in very good condition throughout. All drawers run smoothly. Please enjoy viewing the enlarged photos of this chest before bidding.
This chest measures 8" wide by 10" high by 9" deep (20 x 25.5 x 23 cm). with the extended storage box, the height is 19" (48.5 cm). Very solidly built, a great piece of Japanese history; and makes a classic desk top organizer today.
You'll love it, I guarantee it .........If you purchase this item and are not completely delighted with it, you may return it for a no questions asked refund within 14 days of receipt.Sailerking and the Shogun's Gallery have been in the Japanese antique business for over 32 years, and highly value our customers. Satisfaction Guarantee: All items are carefully described and photographed.
You'll love it, I guarantee it.........If you purchase this item and are not completely delighted with it, you may return it for a no questions asked refund within 30 days of receipt.
Sailerking and the Shogun's Gallery in Portland, Oregon have been in the Japanese antique business for over 40 years, and highly value our customers. Satisfaction Guarantee: All items are carefully described and photographed. If not completely delighted with any item it may be returned in original condition for refund of purchase price, less actual shipping cost. Most items listed are antiques, and as such may have an expected amount of wear from normal use. We do not sell items with major flaws without mentioning it in the listing. See photos and descriptions for condition. Returns must be shipped back within 30 days of receipt. Buyer assumes all shipping fees. If you have specific questions about the item or condition, please feel free to ask before bidding and we will make every effort to respond promptly. International buyers are responsible for any customs duties, taxes, etc. imposed by the buyer's home country. SH