Antique Japanese Ikebana Flower Basket, 1912 - 1926 (Taisho) | SKU: 26M-014

Japanese Hanakago Ikebana Flower Basket | Antique Vase & Living Room Accent, 1912-1926 (Taisho), SKU 26M-014

A rare Taisho-era hanakago with a globular woven bamboo body, braided arch handle, and removable bamboo tube insert -- a sculptural masterpiece of Japanese antique craft.

A hanakago is a traditional Japanese flower basket used to hold ikebana -- the classical Japanese art of floral arrangement. Unlike simple vases, the hanakago was itself considered a work of art, and the finest examples were crafted by named basket weavers who trained for decades in the demanding discipline of take-zaiku (bamboo craft). This extraordinary example, dating to the Taisho period (1912-1926), features a boldly rounded, globe-shaped body constructed from wide, flat bamboo strips woven in a dynamic diagonal pattern that creates a striking swirling visual rhythm across the surface. The deep reddish-brown lacquer patina -- built up over a century of age -- gives the piece a rich, burnished warmth. An arching braided handle rises from the neck, itself tightly plaited from fine bamboo strands, forming an elegant loop that frames the opening. A separate hollow bamboo tube insert sits within the neck of the basket, serving as the traditional water-holding vessel for fresh flower stems -- a clever functional detail that protected the woven body from moisture. This is a handcrafted Japanese antique of considerable technical and artistic skill.

Today this hanakago is as versatile as it is beautiful, and translates effortlessly into modern interior decor. Display it as a standalone sculptural object on a console table, sideboard, or mantelpiece -- its dramatic form needs no flowers to command attention. Re-insert the bamboo tube and arrange a single stem or seasonal branch in the wabi-sabi aesthetic for a living room accent or entryway statement. It also makes a stunning centerpiece for a Japandi-style dining table or a shelf display paired with ceramic and natural wood objects. A truly unique gift for collectors, Japanophiles, or anyone drawn to handcrafted Japanese antiques with genuine historical character.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho)
• Material: Woven bamboo strips with lacquer patina; removable hollow bamboo tube insert
• Use: Ikebana flower basket -- used to hold floral arrangements in the traditional Japanese style, with the bamboo tube insert serving as a water vessel for stems
• Modern Use: Sculptural living room accent or shelf display; ikebana vase for a single stem or seasonal branch; unique centerpiece in Japandi or wabi-sabi styled interiors
• Features: Globular woven bamboo body with diagonal swirl pattern; deep reddish-brown lacquer patina; tall braided arch handle; removable bamboo tube insert; open-weave neck collar with braided trim; flat footed base
• Dimensions: 7"W x 6"D x 14"H
• Condition: Excellent

A masterwork of Taisho-era take-zaiku bamboo craft -- this antique Japanese ikebana flower basket brings the timeless beauty of wabi-sabi and handcrafted tradition into any modern home.

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 vintage and 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.