Antique Japanese Bamboo Hanakago Flower Basket, Taisho 1912-1926 | SKU: 26J-0688

Antique Japanese Bamboo Hanakago Flower Basket, Taisho 1912-1926 | SKU: 26J-0688

A sculptural woven bamboo hanakago with a dramatic gnarled root handle -- an extraordinary piece of antique Japanese craft.

A hanakago is a traditional Japanese flower basket used to display cut flowers in the practice of ikebana, the centuries-old art of Japanese flower arranging. This striking antique hanakago features a full, globular body woven from wide bamboo strips in a bold diagonal pattern, creating a rich two-tone interplay of deep reddish-brown and near-black hues across the surface. The basket rests on a neatly wrapped foot ring and opens to a wide circular mouth, well suited to holding an inner water vessel for floral display. This type of handcrafted Japanese basket weaving -- using broad, flat bamboo strips in a sweeping diagonal interlace -- reflects a confident regional craft tradition at its most expressive.

What truly sets this hanakago apart is its arched overhead handle, formed from a naturally gnarled root or branch selected for its sculptural character. The handle rises dramatically above the basket body, its surface alive with knots, burls, and organic curves that embody the wabi-sabi aesthetic prized in Japanese decorative arts. Close-up images reveal old repairs at the handle apex, lending an honest patina consistent with a century of use. Today this piece makes a compelling living room accent or entryway statement piece -- displayed on a sideboard, console, or low shelf in a Japandi-style interior, it draws the eye with an almost sculptural presence. It also works beautifully as a decorative vessel for dried botanicals or pampas grass, or as a unique gift for collectors of Japanese antique craft and Japanophiles alike.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho)
• Material: Woven bamboo strips with natural gnarled root or branch handle; dark lacquered or smoked finish in two-tone reddish-brown and near-black
• Use: Ikebana flower basket (hanakago); decorative floral display vessel
• Modern Use: Living room or entryway decorative accent; display vessel for dried botanicals or pampas grass; statement piece in a Japandi-style or wabi-sabi interior
• Features: Globular woven body with bold diagonal bamboo strip interlace in two contrasting tones; sculptural arched handle formed from a naturally knotted and burred root branch; wrapped foot ring base; wide open circular mouth; aged patina throughout; old repairs visible at handle apex consistent with antique age
• Dimensions: 9"Diameter x 13 1/2"H
• Condition: Good antique condition -- aged patina consistent with era; old repairs present at handle apex as shown; basket body structurally intact.

A rare and sculptural piece of antique Japanese craft that brings the wabi-sabi spirit of the Taisho era into any modern interior.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.