Vintage Japanese Ikebana Flower Basket, 1966 - 1989 (Late Showa) | SKU: 26M-052 (26M-052-1)

Japanese Hanakago Ikebana Basket | Vintage Flower Vase & Living Room Accent, 1966-1989 (Late Showa), SKU 26M-052-1

A richly darkened bamboo hanakago with a removable bamboo tube insert -- a functional vessel rooted in the art of ikebana flower arranging.

A hanakago is a traditional Japanese woven bamboo basket used in ikebana, the classical Japanese art of flower arrangement. Crafted from tightly woven strips of smoked or lacquered bamboo, this compact vessel displays the skilled hand of a Japanese artisan working in the late Showa period. The body is woven in a close horizontal lattice pattern that transitions to a more open weave toward the upper portion, creating subtle visual rhythm. A tightly coiled rope border wraps the rim, finished with care typical of handcrafted Japanese craft. The interior holds a removable bamboo tube insert -- the defining feature of this type of hanakago -- which acted as a water-holding liner allowing fresh-cut stems to be displayed without soaking the basket itself. The deep ebony-brown patina, with warm red undertones visible where the light catches, speaks to decades of careful use and natural aging.

In a modern home, this vintage Japanese ikebana basket is far more versatile than its original purpose suggests. Stand it upright on a sideboard or entryway console and tuck in a single branch or dried botanicals for a striking wabi-sabi aesthetic accent. Its open-weave walls and dark tones make it an ideal living room accent or bedroom decor piece alongside natural linen, stone, or raw wood. The removable bamboo insert can be used as a small bud vase on its own, or the basket can hold pencils, brushes, or rolled documents on a home office desk. A thoughtful and unique gift for Japanophiles, ikebana practitioners, or anyone drawn to Japandi style and the quiet beauty of natural materials.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Woven bamboo; removable bamboo tube insert
• Use: Ikebana flower basket (hanakago) with water-holding bamboo tube insert for fresh flower arrangement
• Modern Use: Dried botanical or branch display; living room or entryway decorative accent; desk organizer for brushes, pens, or rolled papers
• Features: Close horizontal lattice weave body transitioning to open weave; tightly coiled rope rim; deep ebony-brown patina with warm red undertones; removable hollow bamboo tube insert included; small wire hanging loop at rim
• Dimensions: 8"W x 6"D x 8"H
• Condition: Excellent

A beautifully aged piece of Japanese antique craft -- this hanakago brings the meditative elegance of ikebana and the wabi-sabi aesthetic 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.