Antique Japanese Ikebana Flower Basket (Hanakago), Taisho, 1912-1926 | SKU: 26M-885

Antique Japanese Ikebana Flower Basket (Hanakago), Taisho, 1912-1926 | SKU: 26M-885

A rare antique bamboo flower basket -- two woven forms united on a single driftwood base -- embodying the wabi-sabi spirit of the Taisho era.

A hanakago is a traditional Japanese flower basket used in ikebana, the classical art of floral arrangement. This exceptional antique example takes the form of two distinct woven bamboo vessels -- one wide and shallow like an open bowl, the other tall and gourd-shaped -- mounted together on a dramatically sculptural base of naturally contorted driftwood branches. The bamboo strips have been split fine, woven with precision, and aged to a deep reddish-brown that speaks to a century of careful keeping. The irregular driftwood armature, with its gnarled knots and forked branches, has been selected with the eye of an artist, transforming a functional basket into a handcrafted Japanese sculptural object in its own right. This is antique Japanese craft at its most expressive -- part vessel, part landscape composition.

In a modern home, this striking piece requires no flowers at all. Placed on a console table, mantelpiece, or entryway shelf, it commands attention as a living room accent or statement sculpture perfectly suited to a wabi-sabi aesthetic or Japandi-style interior. Tuck a few dried botanicals, pampas grass stems, or a single branch of preserved foliage into the open bowl for effortless organic decor. It also makes a remarkable gift for collectors of Japanese antique art, or as a unique housewarming gift for anyone drawn to the beauty of natural materials and handmade form.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho)
• Material: Woven bamboo strips; natural driftwood base
• Use: Ikebana flower basket (hanakago); decorative display vessel
• Modern Use: Living room sculptural accent; dried botanical or branch display; statement decor for Japandi or wabi-sabi interiors
• Features: Two woven bamboo forms -- a broad open bowl and a tall gourd-shaped vessel -- mounted on a single sculptural driftwood base with gnarled, forked branches; deep reddish-brown patina throughout; finely split bamboo strips with varied weave patterns on each vessel; natural asymmetry consistent with mingei folk-craft tradition
• Dimensions: 7"W x 9"D x15"H
• Condition: Excellent

A century-old work of handcrafted Japanese basket art -- as much sculpture as vessel -- that brings the timeless wabi-sabi aesthetic into any contemporary space.

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.