Vintage Japanese Kaba-Zaiku Cherry Bark Flower Vase with Sakura Marquetry Inlay, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26M-078

Vintage Japanese Kaba-Zaiku Cherry Bark Flower Vase with Sakura Marquetry Inlay, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26M-078

A striking tall wood vase with cherry bark veneer and sakura wood inlay -- a handcrafted Japanese accent piece rooted in the ikebana tradition.

A kabin is a traditional Japanese flower vase designed to hold single-stem or minimal flower arrangements in keeping with the ikebana aesthetic -- the centuries-old Japanese art of mindful floral composition. This vintage Japanese craft piece is constructed from a hardwood core and finished with a dramatically figured cherry bark (kaba-zaiku) veneer, a technique associated with the Akita region of northern Japan. The bark surface is left intentionally textured and raw on alternating faces, while lacquered panels in a deep burgundy-brown create a striking contrast of polished and natural surfaces. The front face is adorned with a carefully inlaid wood marquetry motif depicting sakura (cherry blossoms) and serrated leaves rendered in pale natural wood against the dark lacquered ground -- a symbol of seasonal beauty deeply embedded in Japanese culture.

In a modern home, this handcrafted Japanese vase makes an effortless living room accent piece on a shelf, mantelpiece, or entryway console. Its tall, columnar silhouette and wabi-sabi aesthetic -- celebrating the beauty of natural imperfection -- suit Japandi style interiors, minimalist decor, and mid-century modern settings alike. Display it as a standalone sculptural object, use it to hold a single dried branch or stem of pampas grass, or place it on a bedroom nightstand as a meditative decorative accent. It also makes a thoughtful and unique gift for collectors of Japanese vintage pieces or for anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese craft.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Hardwood core with cherry bark (kaba-zaiku) veneer, deep lacquer finish, and pale wood marquetry inlay
• Use: Ikebana flower vase; decorative display vessel
• Modern Use: Living room or entryway decorative accent; display vase for dried botanicals or a single stem; sculptural shelf or mantelpiece object
• Features: Tall square-section columnar form with rounded top shoulders; alternating lacquered and raw bark-textured faces; sakura blossom and leaf marquetry inlay on front face; square open mouth
• Dimensions: 2"W x 2"D x 6"H
• Condition: Good -- natural wear and patina to bark surfaces consistent with age; lacquered faces retain strong gloss; inlay intact

A beautifully textured piece of vintage Japanese craft that brings the quiet elegance of wabi-sabi and the ikebana spirit 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 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.