Antique Japanese Ikebana Flower Basket, 1927 - 1945 (Early Showa) | SKU: 26M-033-1

Japanese Hanakago Ikebana Basket | Vintage Flower Vase & Living Room Accent, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 26M-033-1

A boldly woven bamboo hanakago with dramatic diagonal plaiting and a tall arched handle -- handcrafted for the art of ikebana flower arrangement.

A hanakago is a traditional Japanese flower basket used as a vessel in ikebana, the centuries-old discipline of Japanese floral arrangement. During the Early Showa period, basket weaving reached a remarkable level of artistic ambition, and this example displays the hallmarks of skilled handcrafted Japanese craft: wide, flat bamboo strips are woven in a bold diagonal pattern across the cylindrical body, while several uncut bamboo culm sections -- their natural honey-gold skin still intact -- are incorporated as structural ribs, creating a striking visual contrast against the deep reddish-brown of the dyed weave. The arched handle rises high above the rim and is formed from multiple strips of bamboo bound together, adding both elegance and stability. The base is tightly coiled and wrapped for a sturdy, flared footing, and the open-weave rim has a pleasingly irregular, hand-finished quality consistent with Japanese antique basketry of this era.

In a modern home, this vintage Japanese ikebana basket is as versatile as it is beautiful. Stand it on a entryway console or living room shelf and insert a glass liner to display fresh or dried botanical stems -- its tall handle and open weave make it a natural conversation piece in any Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic interior. It works equally well as a standalone sculptural accent on a dining table or mantelpiece, where the interplay of natural bamboo tones and deep chocolate-brown plaiting adds warmth and texture. It also makes a distinctive gift for collectors, Japanophiles, or anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese art and nature-inspired decor.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Bamboo -- flat-split strips woven in diagonal plaiting with whole bamboo culm ribs; natural and dyed finishes
• Use: Hanakago (flower basket) for ikebana floral arrangement
• Modern Use: Dried or fresh flower display with glass liner insert; sculptural living room or entryway accent; decorative storage for tall items such as rolled papers or parasols
• Features: Tall arched handle formed from bound bamboo strips; bold diagonal open weave body; prominent natural bamboo culm ribs as decorative structural elements; tightly coiled and wrapped flared base; open irregular rim with handcrafted finish; rich reddish-brown patina throughout
• Dimensions: 8"W x 8"D x 18"H
• Condition: Good antique condition consistent with age -- minor wear and small splits to bamboo culm ribs visible; overall structure sound and display-ready

A compelling piece of Japanese antique basketry that brings the meditative spirit of ikebana and the wabi-sabi aesthetic into any modern living 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 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.