Early 20th-Century Woven Sewing Basket with Coral Satin Interior
Viridian Eclection
The Piece An elegant early 20th-century Japanese woven sewing basket, dating to the late 1930s–early 1940s, crafted for export and finished with painted red trim and a beautifully preserved coral s...
The Piece
An elegant early 20th-century Japanese woven sewing basket, dating to the late 1930s–early 1940s, crafted for export and finished with painted red trim and a beautifully preserved coral satin interior. The lid opens to reveal a fully tufted lining with original stitched compartments, designed to hold needles, scissors, thread, and other sewing essentials.
The contrast between the natural straw exterior and the vibrant, padded interior speaks to a time when even utilitarian domestic objects were made with care, softness, and visual pleasure.
Design & Construction
→ Hand-woven straw/raffia body with tight, structural weave
→ Painted red trim with metal hinge and clasp
→ Tufted satin lining with hand-set buttons
→ Interior tool pockets sewn directly into the lining
→ Compact, portable form typical of prewar sewing baskets
Every element reflects hand labor rather than industrial shortcutting.
Historical Context
In the late 1930s and early 1940s, Japanese workshops produced finely made household goods for export markets, particularly sewing baskets, storage boxes, and personal accessories. These pieces balanced affordability with craftsmanship and were intended for long-term use in the home.
This basket reflects that moment just before materials and production methods shifted dramatically during and after World War II.
Condition
Very good antique condition for its age.
→ Straw remains strong and evenly toned
→ Satin interior retains color and structure with light age wear
→ Hardware intact; lid opens and closes smoothly
→ No structural damage observed
Any wear present is consistent with age and enhances authenticity.
Product Details
→ Type: Sewing basket / woven storage box
→ Origin: Japan (export production)
→ Era: c. late 1930s–early 1940s
→ Materials: Straw/raffia, satin lining, metal hardware, painted trim
→ Color: Natural straw with red trim; coral satin interior
→ Marking: Export stamp indicating Japanese manufacture
Why It Belongs in Your Home
Because it represents a vanishing category of domestic craftsmanship. It’s practical, intimate, and quietly beautiful — perfect for a vanity, dresser, studio shelf, or styled open to reveal its interior. It holds modern keepsakes just as gracefully as it once held needles and thread.
Every piece is packed with professional-grade materials: multiple foam layers, double-boxing, directional and fragile handling labels. For large furniture we use custom timber crating. We photograph packing before dispatch and can provide images on request.
White-glove delivery is complimentary within 100 miles of Reno, NV. National shipping quotes provided at checkout. All shipments are photographed and documented. Damage claims must be filed with the carrier; we provide all documentation needed to support your claim.
Local pickup is available at Viridian HQ (Reno, NV) with 2–4 days notice. Contact us to arrange. Private viewings also available.
All antique and vintage items are sold as described and all sales are final. Each listing includes detailed condition notes and photographs so you can make a fully informed decision. We encourage buyers to ask questions — about condition, dimensions, finish, provenance — before purchasing.
Antiques are irreplaceable and one-of-a-kind. Carrier handling is outside our control once a piece has left our facility, and major carriers including FedEx do not insure antiques. We do everything within our power to ensure safe transit, but cannot accept liability for carrier damage. If damage occurs in transit, we will provide full documentation to support your carrier claim.
Have a question? — we're happy to provide additional photos, condition detail, or discuss the piece directly.
