Large Japanese Bamboo Ikebana Basket, Signed

Japanese and Chinese antiques and art from B & C

Large Japanese Bamboo Ikebana Basket, Signed

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Directory: Antiques:Regional Art:Asian:Japanese:Baskets:Pre 1920: item # 457205

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B & C Antiques
P. O. Box 291
Derby, CT 06418
203-929-7312

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$575

Large Japanese Bamboo Ikebana Basket, Signed

This expressive freestyle Japanese basket for flower arrangements (“hanakago”) is woven from both thin and thick split bamboo strips and likely dates to the early 20th century. An unidentified three-character signature is carved into one of the bamboo strips on the base. The warm burnished brown ovoid body is crafted with hexagonally plaited thin strips of bamboo into which wide thick bamboo strips have been inserted, giving the basket the overall appearance of irregular “midare” plaiting. These thicker diagonal elements offer fluidity and motion to the basket while creating a textural refinement that has balance and elegance. Thinner segments of bamboo have been twisted to form the handle, which flows naturally into the midare decoration. Since the sixteenth century, woven baskets for flowers have been favorites for use in the tea ceremony. Designed to contain fresh-cut flowers, flower baskets were also used in shrines and in the alcoves in Japanese homes (“tokonoma”), providing an atmosphere conducive to the quiet and tranquil contemplation of nature. While bamboo baskets have served various utilitarian functions in Japanese daily life for centuries, they also have been valued for their beauty. They express a Japanese aesthetic rooted in simplicity, humble natural materials and imperfect beauty. Beginning in the Meiji period, Japanese basket makers gradually transformed traditional flower baskets from utilitarian containers into sculptural masterpieces crafted in a variety of shapes, weaves and knots. Japanese baskets make aesthetically pleasing flower containers, since they bring the garden indoors and lend themselves well to natural arrangements. Condition is excellent with only normal wear consistent with age and usage and only one small bamboo break. There is a wonderful old finish and patina to the bamboo. Dimensions: Basket is 8 ½” high (15” tall including the handle), approximately 8 ½” widest diameter.