Vintage Japanese Bamboo Kago Carrying Basket Set with Companion Cup Basket, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26J-0166-1

Vintage Japanese Bamboo Kago Carrying Basket Set with Companion Cup Basket, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26J-0166-1

A rare two-piece handwoven bamboo carrying set -- richly patinated, cord-suspended, and steeped in everyday Japanese folk craft tradition.

A kago is a traditional Japanese woven carrying basket, used in daily rural and merchant life to transport goods, provisions, or personal items. This vintage example is a handcrafted split-bamboo kago of pear-shaped form, with a bulbous body that tapers gracefully to an inward-curving neck finished with a tightly wrapped twisted rim. The surface is woven in two-tone bamboo strips -- deep reddish-lacquer tones contrasting with warm amber naturals -- producing a striped, almost tortoiseshell effect that speaks to the skill of its anonymous maker. Bamboo toggle fasteners lashed with aged cord are positioned on either side of the body, threaded through a twisted fiber suspension cord with a knotted bead fitting, allowing the basket to be carried or hung. A smaller companion cup basket, round-bodied with an open top and a star-pattern woven base, is attached to the main basket by its own knotted cord -- an unusual and charming detail suggesting the set may have been used together to carry a vessel or small provisions alongside the main load. The deep patina, worn cord, and aged lacquer surface all speak to genuine use across decades of Early Showa daily life, making this a compelling piece of vintage Japanese craft.

Today, this striking pair lends itself beautifully to wabi-sabi aesthetic interiors and Japandi style home decor. The main basket -- with its sculptural gourd-like silhouette and warm amber-to-espresso tones -- makes an eye-catching living room accent or entryway decorative object when displayed upright or suspended. Its open neck is ideal for holding dried botanicals, pampas grass, or branches for a natural home office or bedroom decor vignette. The small companion cup basket is perfect as a standalone desk organizer for paper clips or small items, or as a display piece alongside the main kago. Together they make an exceptional gift for collectors of Japanese vintage pieces, folk craft enthusiasts, or anyone drawn to handmade objects with authentic history.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Split bamboo; twisted fiber suspension cord; bamboo toggle fittings
• Use: Traditional carrying or storage basket with cord suspension; smaller companion cup basket attached by cord -- likely used together to transport goods or provisions
• Modern Use: Decorative living room or entryway accent; dried botanical holder or vase alternative; desk organizer or display piece for the small companion basket
• Features: Bulbous pear-shaped main basket with inward-tapering neck and twisted wrapped rim; two-tone bamboo strip weave in reddish-lacquer and amber tones; bamboo toggle fasteners on sides with cord lashing; twisted fiber suspension cord with knotted bead fitting; separate small round companion cup basket with open top and star-pattern woven base, attached by knotted cord; deep aged patina throughout
• Dimensions: 9"Diameter x 9"H
• Condition: Good vintage condition consistent with age -- cord worn and aged, surface patina and lacquer wear present; structurally sound

A rare and characterful piece of vintage Japanese folk craft -- this handwoven bamboo kago set brings authentic wabi-sabi warmth and storied history to 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 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.