Vintage Japanese Ikebana Hanakago Bamboo Flower Basket with Inner Water Vessel, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26M-784-1

Vintage Japanese Ikebana Hanakago Bamboo Flower Basket with Inner Water Vessel, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26M-784-1

A masterfully woven bamboo ikebana basket with a soaring arched handle, fitted with its original inner water vessel -- a rare and complete example of vintage Japanese craft.

A hanakago is a traditional Japanese flower basket used to hold arrangements in the art of ikebana, the centuries-old discipline of Japanese flower arranging. This striking example features a tall, rectangular woven body that transitions into a rounded open basket at the top, designed to cradle cut flower stems while the inner cylindrical vessel -- shown separately in the images -- holds water to keep them fresh. The entire piece is handcrafted from split bamboo, woven in a bold herringbone pattern across the body panels and a finer coiled weave around the basket rim. Sturdy bamboo ribs frame each corner, and the joints are secured with intricate wrapped-cord lashing, a hallmark of skilled Japanese vintage basketry. The arched overhead handle rises dramatically from the basket opening, its flat bamboo stave finished with fine braided binding at the attachment points -- a detail that reflects considerable craft knowledge.

In a modern home, this hanakago makes an exceptional living room accent or entryway statement piece. Display it with a simple branch or dried botanical arrangement for an instant wabi-sabi aesthetic, or stand it empty as a sculptural object on a console table or open shelving. It works equally well as a Japandi style accent in a minimalist bedroom or as a unique vessel for a trailing houseplant. The included inner tube adds practical flexibility -- use the basket as a genuine flower vase or simply store it within for safekeeping. A thoughtful housewarming gift or a coveted find for collectors of handcrafted Japanese basketwork.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Split bamboo, woven and lashed; bamboo stave handle with braided cord binding; includes a separate cylindrical inner water vessel
• Use: Ikebana flower basket -- designed to hold cut flower arrangements, with an inner vessel to retain water
• Modern Use: Decorative living room or entryway accent with dried botanicals or branches; Japandi-style display piece on a console or shelf; planter for a small trailing houseplant
• Features: Tall rectangular woven body in a herringbone bamboo weave; open rounded basket top with coiled rim detail; soaring arched overhead handle with braided lashing at base; bamboo corner ribs with knotted cord ties; includes original cylindrical inner vessel
• Dimensions: --
• Condition: Excellent

A beautifully complete example of vintage Japanese basketry -- handcrafted with quiet precision and ready to bring natural warmth and wabi-sabi elegance to any modern interior.

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.