Antique Japanese Ikebana Flower Basket, 1927 - 1945 (Early Showa) | SKU: 26M-033 (26M-033-4)

Japanese Hanakago Ikebana Flower Basket | Vintage Vase & Living Room Accent, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 26M-033-4

A handwoven bamboo ikebana basket with a lacquered inner water vessel -- where the ancient art of flower arranging meets enduring craft.

A hanakago is a traditional Japanese flower basket used in the practice of ikebana, the refined art of flower arranging that prizes negative space and intentional composition as much as the blooms themselves. This antique Japanese hanakago dates to the Early Showa period and is a fine example of handcrafted Japanese bamboo basketry at its most expressive. The body is woven in two complementary techniques: vertical ribs run the full height of the form, interlaced with a diagonal lattice pattern that opens beautifully at the wider base and transitions to a denser, arched open-weave collar at the rim. A small looped handle is woven directly into the shoulder -- a practical detail that also adds visual rhythm. The overall silhouette tapers gracefully from a broad base to a cylindrical neck, giving the basket a sculptural presence even when unadorned. A cylindrical inner vessel, finished in a deep terracotta-red lacquer over what appears to be bamboo or thin wood, fits snugly inside to hold water for fresh-cut stems -- a thoughtful, functional design that kept the woven exterior dry and intact.

In a modern home, this vintage Japanese flower basket is as versatile as it is beautiful. Display it as a standalone decorative accent on a console, sideboard, or bookshelf -- its warm honey-and-amber tones complement both Japandi style interiors and wabi-sabi aesthetic arrangements effortlessly. Slip a small glass jar or bud vase inside to hold dried pampas grass, cotton stems, or a single branch for a living room accent that feels both curated and organic. It also makes a charming desk organizer for holding pens, brushes, or rolled documents, or a bedside table accent for a spare, nature-inspired bedroom decor. This piece would make a thoughtful and unique housewarming gift for anyone who appreciates Japanese antique craft and handwoven textile art.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Woven bamboo (hanakago outer basket); lacquered bamboo or wood inner water vessel in terracotta red
• Use: Ikebana flower arrangement vessel
• Modern Use: Living room decorative accent with dried botanicals; desk organizer for brushes or pens; bedside table statement piece
• Features: Two-technique weave -- vertical rib structure interlaced with open diagonal lattice; arched open-weave collar at rim; small looped handle at shoulder; removable inner water vessel with red lacquer finish; warm honey-amber patina throughout
• Dimensions: 4"W x 4"D x 8"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and beautifully crafted piece of Japanese antique basketry -- handwoven with quiet mastery and ready to bring the timeless spirit 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.