Early 20th Century Taisho Japanese Bamboo Basket Ikebana Flower Tea Ceremony Gourd Form Wisteria Root Base Antique

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Description

That such a strangely beautiful, much admired and symbolically transfigured plant would provide the most varied inspirations for the fine … Read more That such a strangely beautiful, much admired and symbolically transfigured plant would provide the most varied inspirations for the fine arts is only to be expected in people like the Japanese, who are such keen observers of all phenomena of nature. Bamboo is appreciated with equal and full joy by all levels of japanese, not only as an economic plant, but also as an art motif. -Hans Sporry (1859-1925)

A simple Japanese woven bamboo ikebana basket made from natural 'susudake' or sooted bamboo in gourd form. Excellent overall detail shows effortless craftsmanship in a simple pattern and weave.

Wild gnarled wisteria forms a steady base while branching up and around the backside of the double gourd.

The classic gourd shape, simple weave are all characteristics of a skilled bamboo artist attempting to create a wabi-sabi feel.

* Gourd is an auspicious symbol in Japan and associated with the holder of ambrosia thus an emblem for longevity or immortality. This basket is skillfully made to stand on bamboo soars in a slanted fashion, bringing the bulbous form in focus. Made to enjoy simple arrangements often filled with flowers and leaves gathered from the garden.

This basket was constructed with a free-hand mat plaiting technique used to create a swelled body, and to create a delicate shape. The piece was woven in great detail and style with regular and tight weaving technique. The surface of the basket shows a deep patina from sooting, (susutake) from smoke from an ‘Irori’, which is a sunken hearth giving the basket a deep rich patina. The basket with rattan accents shows bamboo twisted and tightened to finish the top and decorate the middle of the piece and exhibits a strong sense of rustic charm, the so called Mingei (folk art) style. The craftsman is unidentified, but the workmanship is quite sophisticated and done by a master weaver.

Estimated Taisho era (1912-1926) from Tokyo, Japan.
Dimensions: Height to top 13”. Width 13”. Depth 8”

Ideal basket for a simple spring-to-fall floral display for the genkan or tea room to evoke a wabi-sabi feel.

Style Tip: Arrange flowers in this basket in a nook or genkan with spring or summer fresh flowers for a wabi Sabi feel
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