Vintage Japanese Ikebana Hanakago (Flower Basket) with Fitted Metal Liner, Late Showa Era, 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0493

Vintage Japanese Ikebana Hanakago (Flower Basket) with Fitted Metal Liner, Late Showa Era, 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0493

A sculptural woven bamboo hanakago with sweeping arched handle and fitted metal liner -- handcrafted for the art of ikebana flower arranging.

A hanakago is a traditional Japanese flower basket used as a vessel in ikebana, the centuries-old Japanese art of floral arrangement. Unlike a simple container, the hanakago is itself considered a work of art -- its form, texture, and negative space intended to complement the flowers placed within it. This vintage example, dating to the Late Showa era, displays the skilled craftsmanship of a practiced basket weaver: a globular body is constructed from split bamboo strips in a bold open-lattice diagonal weave across the upper body, transitioning to a denser, more tightly packed weave around the lower belly. The bamboo strips show a naturally mottled coloration -- ranging from warm amber to deep brown -- the result of decades of natural aging that only deepens the wabi-sabi aesthetic. A tall, gracefully arched handle formed from twisted bamboo rods rises dramatically above the body, lending the piece an elegant silhouette. Inside, a fitted dark metal liner sits securely within the basket, designed to hold water or a floral kenzan (pin frog) for fresh stem arrangements.

In a modern home, this vintage Japanese hanakago is as versatile as it is beautiful. Display it on a entryway console or sideboard filled with dried botanicals -- pampas grass, cotton stems, or dried hydrangeas -- for an effortless Japandi style accent that requires no upkeep. The fitted liner makes it equally practical as a planter for a small potted plant in a living room or bedroom decor setting. Its generous scale and striking silhouette also make it a standout decorative accent piece on its own, placed on a mantle or open shelving as part of a curated wabi-sabi aesthetic vignette. A truly unique housewarming gift or gift for collectors of vintage Japanese craft and handcrafted Japanese folk art.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Split bamboo strips with mottled natural patina; fitted dark metal inner liner
• Use: Ikebana flower arranging vessel (hanakago); decorative flower basket
• Modern Use: Dried floral display or living room accent; small potted plant holder; entryway or shelf decorative statement piece
• Features: Globular woven body with open diagonal lattice weave on upper body and denser weave on lower belly; tall sweeping arched twisted-bamboo handle; mottled amber-to-dark-brown bamboo coloring; fitted removable dark metal cylindrical liner; aged patina consistent with genuine vintage use
• Dimensions: 16"W x 16"D x 27"H
• Condition: Excellent

A striking piece of vintage Japanese craft -- this hanakago brings the quiet beauty 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 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.