1920s Japanese Bamboo Basket Ikebana Tea Ceremony Flower Antique Vase Vintage Signed

Details

Description

Antique Japanese woven bamboo ikebana basket made from natural 'Hobichiku' *(smoked 'nemagari dake' bamboo) and woven in an open weave … Read more Antique Japanese woven bamboo ikebana basket made from natural 'Hobichiku' *(smoked 'nemagari dake' bamboo) and woven in an open weave pattern. Included original water container or bamboo insert.

Estimated early Taisho era from the Kansai region, Japan.

Dimensions: Height to top of handle 11 inch. H 7.5 x D 5 x W 5 inch

The shape, size and plaiting pattern woven in natural bamboo makes this an ideal basket for a simple floral display of natural grasses and flowers from early spring to late autumn.

Excellent overall shape and detail shows effortless craftsmanship in an intricate open weave.

The Base: In keeping with the Kansai style, the artist created a square plaited base (‘yotsume ami') incorporating ten flat strips horizontally and ten flat strips vertically. Two wide and thicker strips of bamboo (the signature plate) are inserted into the base. Artist’s signature on one of these strips (refer photo 3 and 4)

The Body: The square base gradually transitions into a circular shaped lower body with the introduction of a thinner strip of bamboo in ‘gozame ami’ or simple plaiting. This is one of the most common basketry techniques. It differs from the square plaiting (as in the base), in that the horizontal elements (yoko higo or Ami higo) are narrower and more closely spaced than the vertical elements (Tate higo), creating a horizontally faced surface.

The distinct pattern for the body is achieved using the ‘thousand line’ pattern in a more relaxed and informal way. The 10+10 wide strips from the base for the open plaiting of the top of the body.

The Rim: The rim is finished by a simple wrap and overlap and tuck of the ends

The Handle: The handle echos the rim in a simple wrapped pattern.

The bulbous shape, open irregular weave with an interesting and contrasting bamboo overlay and finished off in a simple wrapped handle are all characteristics of a skilled bamboo artist.

* Hobichiku refers to smoked 'nemagiri dake' or other dwarf bamboo from the construction materials of a traditional farmhouse often hundreds of years old. The rich brown color is the cumulative effect of exposure to kitchen or hearth fires - makes hobichiku a particularly desirable material for artists.

Photo 1: Display of spring flowers and leaves arranged

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