Antique Japanese Ikebana Flower Basket, 1927 - 1945 (Early Showa) | SKU: 26M-033 (26M-033-2)

Japanese Ikebana Flower Basket | Vintage Planter & Living Room Accent, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 26M-033-2

A handwoven bamboo ikebana basket with deep lacquered finish and natural rim binding -- a striking expression of wabi-sabi craft.

An ikebana basket is a traditional Japanese vessel used to hold floral arrangements in the art of ikebana -- the disciplined Japanese practice of flower arranging that emphasizes form, balance, and negative space. This handcrafted Japanese antique flower basket dates to the Early Showa period and showcases the refined skill of a dedicated bamboo artisan. The body is woven in a bold herringbone pattern using thinly split bamboo strips that have aged to a deep, near-ebony brown, suggesting a dark lacquer or smoke finish applied to enhance both beauty and durability. The interior is lined with a solid lacquered panel -- visible from above as a smooth, matte-black surface -- which would have held a water vessel or kenzan pin frog for ikebana arrangements. The rim is finished with a natural-tone split bamboo border, lashed with thin rattan or bamboo binding in a decorative cross-stitch pattern that contrasts warmly against the dark body. The form transitions elegantly from a square base to a round opening, a shape that was popular for low, wide ikebana arrangements of the moribana style. A bamboo crossbar reinforces the base, adding structural integrity that has allowed this handcrafted Japanese craft object to survive nearly a century intact.

Today this ikebana basket makes a stunning statement in a variety of modern interiors. Set on a console, sideboard, or low shelf, it works beautifully as a living room accent -- filled with dried botanicals, seasonal branches, or a simple arrangement of garden flowers in the wabi-sabi aesthetic. Its low, open form also makes it ideal as a Japandi-style decorative bowl for display objects such as stones, driftwood, or small succulents in a modern planter setting. With its dark, sculptural presence, it also serves as a unique gift for collectors, Japanophiles, and anyone who appreciates handwoven Japanese antiques with genuine age and character.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Split bamboo, woven in a herringbone pattern; natural bamboo rim with rattan or bamboo lashing; lacquered interior panel
• Use: Ikebana flower arranging vessel -- designed to hold a water container or kenzan for moribana-style floral arrangements
• Modern Use: Living room decorative accent with dried botanicals or branches; Japandi-style planter for small plants or succulents; display bowl for stones, driftwood, or sculptural objects
• Features: Bold herringbone bamboo weave aged to a deep dark brown; square-to-round transitional form; natural-tone bamboo rim with decorative cross-stitch lashing; smooth lacquered interior base panel; bamboo crossbar reinforcement on the underside
• Dimensions: 10"W x 10"D x 5"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and beautifully aged piece of Japanese antique craft -- this ikebana basket brings the quiet elegance of wabi-sabi and the art of ikebana 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.