Antique Japanese Flower Vase, 1927 - 1945 (Early Showa) | SKU: 26M-734

Japanese Ikebana Flower Vase | Sculptural Wood Root Display & Living Room Accent, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 26M-734

A hauntingly beautiful root-wood vessel shaped by nature and refined by hand -- a rare Japanese antique for collectors of wabi-sabi art.

A ne-bachi (root vessel) is a traditional Japanese art object in which a naturally sculpted tree root or burl is selected, cleaned, and lightly worked by craftsmen to serve as a display vessel for ikebana flower arrangements or as a companion piece in bonsai display alcoves (tokonoma). Unlike carved objects, the form of a ne-bachi is largely dictated by the wood itself -- twisted cavities, reaching branch stubs, and flowing grain are all celebrated rather than corrected. This example, dating to the Early Showa period, showcases a dramatically hollowed root form with sweeping organic curves, jagged upward projections, and open voids that create striking light and shadow play from every angle. The underside reveals a fitted flat wooden base secured with small brass screws -- a hallmark of careful Japanese craft -- providing stability while preserving the wild silhouette above. The rich, deeply oiled dark brown surface suggests the wood may be a dense hardwood, possibly keyaki (zelkova) or a similarly figured species prized for its natural luster.

Today this extraordinary piece transcends its original ikebana or bonsai context and works beautifully as a standalone sculptural accent in a modern interior. Display it on a console table, fireplace mantel, or low credenza as a living room accent that embodies the wabi-sabi aesthetic -- celebrating imperfection, age, and the beauty of natural form. Tuck a small succulent, air plant, or moss arrangement into one of its natural cavities for a Japandi-style centerpiece that bridges the antique and the contemporary. It also makes a truly unique gift for collectors, Japanophiles, or anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese antiques with genuine character and history.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Dense hardwood root or burl, possibly keyaki (zelkova); fitted flat hardwood base secured with brass screws
• Use: Ikebana flower arrangement vessel; bonsai display accent; tokonoma (alcove) decorative object
• Modern Use: Sculptural living room accent or mantelpiece display; Japandi-style centerpiece with air plants or moss; unique gift for collectors and Japanophiles
• Features: Dramatically hollowed root form with multiple open voids and upward branching projections; sweeping organic grain with deep tonal variation; fitted flat base with brass screw fixings for stability; rich oiled dark brown patina throughout
• Dimensions: 8"W x 13"D x 6"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and evocative piece of Japanese antique craft -- where nature did most of the sculpting, and time did the rest.

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.