Vintage Japanese Bamboo Hanakago with Lacquered Bamboo Inner Vase, Late Showa 1966 -1989 | SKU: 26M-953

Vintrage Japanese Bamboo Hanakago with Lacquered Bamboo Inner Vase, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-953

A masterwork of vintage Japanese bamboo craft -- a lacquered bamboo vase encased in an open-weave basket, presented with its original kiri wood storage box.

A hanakago is a traditional Japanese flower basket used to hold a vase or water vessel for ikebana, the classical art of Japanese flower arranging. This exceptional example consists of two distinct components: a cylindrical inner vase fashioned from a single section of natural bamboo and finished in a rich oxblood-red lacquer, and an outer open-weave bamboo basket woven in a bold interlocking hexagonal pattern -- a technique known as mutsume-ami -- that encases and protects the vase while transforming it into a sculptural object. The basket body tapers gently at the waist and flares toward the base, a silhouette that speaks to the refined aesthetic sensibility of the Showa era. The rim is neatly bound with layered bamboo strips, and a small looped handle is attached to the body, allowing the piece to be suspended or carried. The deep charcoal and burgundy tones of aged bamboo give the whole piece a commanding wabi-sabi presence. The accompanying kiri wood storage box, tied with a slate-grey grosgrain ribbon, confirms this piece was cherished and properly housed by a previous collector.

In a modern home, this vintage Japanese bamboo vase and basket pairing makes a stunning living room accent or entryway statement piece. Display it as a standalone sculptural object on a console table or low shelf -- the open weave catches light beautifully and draws the eye in any minimalist or Japandi-style interior. Slip a few dried botanicals or a single stem into the lacquered inner vase for a touch of organic living room decor that honours the ikebana tradition. It also makes a truly unique housewarming gift for collectors, Japanophiles, or anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese vintge craft with genuine age and provenance.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Woven bamboo basket with lacquered bamboo inner vase; kiri (paulownia) wood storage box with grosgrain ribbon
• Use: Ikebana flower arrangement vessel; hanakago display basket
• Modern Use: Living room sculptural accent or centerpiece; ikebana or dried botanical display; decorative entryway accent with wabi-sabi aesthetic
• Features: Two-piece set -- open-weave outer basket in interlocking hexagonal mutsume-ami pattern; lacquered oxblood-red bamboo inner vase; gently waisted basket silhouette; neatly bound rim; small looped side handle; comes with original kiri wood storage box
• Dimensions: --
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and complete vintage Japanese bamboo craft set -- hanakago basket, lacquered vase, and original storage box -- that brings the quiet beauty of Showa-era craftsmanship 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 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.