Meiji Japanese Bamboo Basket Hyotan Double Gourd Ikebana Flower Vase Antique Vintage Not Signed

Details

Description

A gourd form ikebana basket
The unsigned two-section basket designed as a large and small double gourd cradled in a … Read more A gourd form ikebana basket
The unsigned two-section basket designed as a large and small double gourd cradled in a rootwood vine, each midare basket woven of thin darkened bamboo strips

Each double-gourd body rising from a short wide ovoid base to a narrow neck
Wild gnarled wisteria forms a steady base while branching up and around the backside of the double gourds

Approximate Dimensions: W 17.0 x H 20.0 x D 6.0 inch

This gourd basket was constructed with a free-hand mat plaiting technique used to create a swelled body and 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 root 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.

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.

A beautiful, ornate basket in the form of a bottle gourd. The gourd is among the most ancient and widespread plants in the human world. People have brought it into nearly every territory they have inhabited. If gourds are not the earliest natural vessel known to humankind, they are certainly among the most varied and beautiful. In Japan, the gourd may be one of the earliest domesticates and has remained a central artistic motif for centuries.

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