Vintage Japanese Ikebana Flower Basket, 1966 - 1989 (Late Showa) | SKU: 26M-541-1

Japanese Ikebana Flower Basket | Vintage Living Room Accent & Decorative Bowl, 1966-1989 (Late Showa), SKU 26M-541-1

A boat-shaped bamboo ikebana basket with deep lacquered tones and a small bamboo kenzan cup -- handcrafted for the Japanese art of flower arrangement.

An ikebana kago is a traditional Japanese flower basket used as a vessel in ikebana, the centuries-old art of Japanese flower arrangement. Unlike Western bouquets, ikebana emphasizes negative space, line, and harmony, and the basket itself is considered as important as the blooms it holds. This striking example takes the form of a funa-kago -- a "boat basket" -- shaped like a shallow, elongated vessel with dramatically upswept prow and stern ends. The body is woven from wide, flat bamboo strips in a bold diagonal plaiting pattern, finished in a rich deep burgundy-to-ebony lacquer that deepens at the base. A gracefully arched bamboo handle rises from the center, and the interior deck features a panel of closely spaced bamboo slats in vivid reddish-brown, creating a striking contrast of texture and color. A small cylindrical bamboo cup, which would have held a kenzan (flower frog) or water for fresh stems, rests inside -- a practical detail that confirms this piece's use as a working ikebana vessel. The craftsmanship is consistent with Late Showa-era handcrafted Japanese bamboo work, a period when ikebana practice flourished in Japanese households.

In a modern home, this vintage Japanese ikebana basket makes a remarkable living room accent or centerpiece on a dining table, coffee table, or entryway console. Display it empty to let the sculptural boat form speak for itself -- its wabi-sabi aesthetic and warm dark tones pair beautifully with Japandi style interiors, minimalist decor, and natural material collections. Alternatively, use it as a decorative fruit bowl or a catch-all tray for small objects on a sideboard or bedroom dresser. It also makes a unique gift for collectors of Japanese antiques, flower arrangers, or anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese folk art.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Woven bamboo with lacquer finish; small bamboo cup included
• Use: Ikebana flower arrangement vessel (funa-kago boat-shaped basket)
• Modern Use: Living room or entryway decorative accent; decorative fruit bowl or tray; unique gift for collectors or ikebana enthusiasts
• Features: Boat-shaped (funa-kago) form with upswept prow and stern; diagonal-plaited bamboo body in deep burgundy-to-ebony lacquer; arched bamboo handle; slatted bamboo deck panel; small cylindrical bamboo kenzan cup included
• Dimensions: 19"W x 9"D x 7"H
• Condition: Excellent

A beautifully crafted piece of vintage Japanese bamboo folk art -- equally at home in an ikebana display or as a sculptural accent in any modern living space.

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.