Japanese Wooden Kago Carrying Basket with Gourd Motif, Hyōtan, 1950s

Details

Description

This wooden basket is lacquered deep black on the inside and outside. Along the edges and in the cut-out shapes … Read more This wooden basket is lacquered deep black on the inside and outside. Along the edges and in the cut-out shapes you see accents in warm chestnut-red urushi lacquer.

Dimensions: height 37 cm, width 32.5 cm, depth 23 cm.

On the sides, several stylised gourds (hyōtan) are cut out. At the top runs a straight, high carrying handle that gives the basket a light silhouette while remaining practical to hold.

The gourd is a classic good-luck symbol in Japan, standing for abundance and protection. This type of basket was originally used to carry food, drink or small goods – by merchants or for domestic occasions.

Today it is a very decorative and surprisingly versatile piece. Beautiful as a fruit basket on the table, filled with tea ceremony accessories, or with small plants and bonsai. Even left empty on a sideboard or kitchen shelf, it adds an instant touch of charm and a Japanese accent to your interior. See less