Vintage Japanese Kakehana Hanging Flower Vase, 1946 - 1965 (Mid Showa) | SKU: 26M-028

Japanese Kakehana Hanging Flower Vase | Ikebana Wall Decor & Living Room Accent, 1946-1965 (Mid Showa), SKU 26M-028

A crescent moon iron vase with sculptural monkey hook chain -- a rare and whimsical ikebana display set from Mid Showa Japan.

A kakehana is a traditional Japanese hanging flower vessel used in ikebana -- the art of flower arrangement -- to display a single bloom or small cutting at eye level, most commonly in a tokonoma (decorative alcove). This striking example is cast in iron and shaped as a bold mikazuki, or crescent moon, a form rich in classical Japanese symbolism evoking impermanence and natural beauty. The exterior surface is finished in a warm amber-brown with a finely textured ground, into which classic auspicious motifs -- pine needles, chrysanthemum blossoms, and trailing branches -- have been relief-cast with careful artisan detail. The hollow interior is lacquered black to hold water, and the vase hangs from a small metal ring. What makes this set truly exceptional is the accompanying hanging hook: a chain of sculptural iron monkey figures, each clinging to the next in a cascade that evokes the traditional Japanese proverb imagery of the "three monkeys." A small boat-shaped kenzan (flower frog) with brass pins is included, completing a fully functional vintage ikebana Japanese antique set.

Today this handcrafted Japanese ikebana piece is as versatile as it is decorative. Hang the crescent vase from the monkey chain on a feature wall as a living room accent or entryway statement -- tuck in a single stem, a sprig of dried botanicals, or even a small air plant for a wabi-sabi aesthetic that blends effortlessly with Japandi style interiors. The sculptural monkey hook chain can also be displayed independently as a wall-hanging curiosity or used in a tokonoma-inspired bedroom decor vignette. With its warm iron patina, nature-relief motifs, and playful sculptural hardware, this set makes a truly unique gift for collectors, ikebana enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates vintage Japanese craft.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Cast iron with amber-brown patinated finish; black lacquered interior; metal hanging ring; brass-pin kenzan included
• Use: Hanging ikebana flower vase (kakehana) for tokonoma or wall display; used with the sculptural monkey-figure hook chain
• Modern Use: Wall-hung living room or entryway floral accent; wabi-sabi decor display with dried botanicals or air plants; decorative art object for a Japandi-style interior
• Features: Crescent moon (mikazuki) form; relief-cast pine, chrysanthemum, and floral motifs on textured ground; sculptural chain of iron monkey figures serving as the hanging hook; small boat-shaped brass-pin kenzan included; complete set
• Dimensions: 6 1/2" Diameter (vase)
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and sculptural piece of vintage Japanese craft -- where classical ikebana tradition meets the playful artistry of Mid Showa iron casting.

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.