Vintage Japanese Bamboo Ikebana Hanakago Basket with Removable Node Liner, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26J-0187-2

Vintage Japanese Bamboo Ikebana Hanakago Basket with Removable Node Liner, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26J-0187-2

A sculptural woven bamboo ikebana basket with removable bamboo node liner -- bold early Showa craftsmanship in deep reddish-brown tones.

A hanakago is a traditional Japanese woven flower basket used to hold cut flower arrangements in the practice of ikebana, the centuries-old Japanese art of floral composition. Unlike ceramic vases, a hanakago relies on a removable inner liner -- here a beautifully darkened bamboo node section -- to hold water and stems, while the outer basket provides the sculptural, artistic form. This example displays a remarkably expressive weave style: broad, lacquered bamboo strips are layered and crossed in a loose, overlapping pattern that gives the globular body a dynamic, almost painterly quality. The deep reddish-brown and near-black tones result from smoke-curing or lacquer treatment, a finishing method commonly used in early Showa-era bamboo craft to enhance both durability and visual depth. A tightly twisted bamboo handle arches above the body, and a small raised bamboo foot base lifts the form with quiet refinement. This is a fine example of vintage Japanese craft at its most expressive -- the kind of handcrafted Japanese ikebana vessel that serious collectors seek out.

Today, this hanakago translates effortlessly into a modern interior. Nestle a small glass or ceramic vessel inside the liner and use it as a statement flower vase on an entryway console or dining table centerpiece. Its warm, earthy tones and wabi-sabi aesthetic make it equally at home as a standalone sculptural accent on a bookshelf, mantle, or living room side table -- no flowers required. It also works beautifully as a desktop organizer for pens, brushes, or rolled documents in a home office with a Japandi style sensibility. A distinctive and meaningful housewarming gift for Japanophiles and collectors of Japanese vintage art objects alike.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Smoked or lacquered bamboo strips (woven body); dark bamboo node section (removable liner); twisted bamboo (handle)
• Use: Ikebana flower arrangement basket (hanakago); inner bamboo node liner holds stems and water vessel
• Modern Use: Statement flower vase or floral display vessel; sculptural living room or entryway accent; desktop organizer for brushes or pens in a home office
• Features: Globular woven body with bold overlapping bamboo strip weave in deep reddish-brown and near-black tones; twisted bamboo arched handle; removable cylindrical bamboo node liner; small raised bamboo foot base; expressive open-weave upper section
• Dimensions: 9 1/2"W x 8"D x 10"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and sculptural piece of Japanese vintage bamboo craft -- this early Showa hanakago brings the wabi-sabi spirit of ikebana 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.