Vintage Japanese Hina Dogu - Miniature Sewing Box (Hari-bako) with Pincushion, Maki-e Lacquer, Taisho/Early Showa Era (c.1920s-1940s)

Description

About This Item:

A charming vintage Japanese "hina dogu" - a miniature piece made as part of a bridal trousseau set for display with Hina dolls (Girls' Day / Hinamatsuri).
This piece is a miniature sewing box (hari-bako), finely crafted in black lacquer with hand-painted maki-e style floral motifs in red, gold, and silver
on all sides and the top.
The box has two drawers with metal ring pulls for storing thread and sewing tools, topped by a small square pincushion tray mounted on a post - a traditional feature of Japanese sewing boxes. Estimated to date from the Taisho to early Showa era (roughly 1920s-1940s), based on the craftsmanship and style typical of hina dogu sets from that period.
Condition:
The lacquer shows some age-related wear and light scuffing on the top surface (please see photos, which are part of the condition description). The drawers open smoothly and the drawer interiors are left in natural unlacquered wood.
A delightful piece of Japanese doll culture and miniature craftsmanship for the Hina doll or dollhouse miniature collector.