Antique Japanese Bamboo Hanakago (Flower Basket)
Bold openwork hanakago with tall handle · signed Hōshun (芳春) · Meiji period (late 19th century).
This antique Japanese flower basket was sourced in Japan and selected for its craftsmanship, history, and quiet presence.
ABOUT THIS PIECE
This imposing antique bamboo flower basket (hanakago 花籠) dates from the Meiji period (c. 1868–1912). Crafted with robust strips of smoked bamboo, it features a tall oval body with a narrow neck and inset handle. The weaving is bold and tightly executed, giving the piece both structural strength and refined elegance.
The basket bears a carved wooden base and a signed insert, adding character and value. Its scale and weight suggest it was used as a display vessel in a formal setting, perhaps for larger ikebana arrangements. The warm patina and natural surface variations testify to over a century of age.
CULTURAL NOTE
During the Meiji era, bamboo basketry evolved from purely utilitarian craft into a recognized art form. Large, signed baskets like this were often commissioned for tea gatherings or as display pieces in the homes of collectors. Their presence reflected not only an appreciation for ikebana, but also a cultivated eye for traditional craftsmanship.
Bonus Note
Collectors particularly value signed baskets from the Meiji period, as they represent the shift toward individuality in bamboo art. Even when the maker is not widely known, the signature reflects pride in craftsmanship and adds to the authenticity of the piece.
DELIVERY
Delivery is included in the prices shown for Europe, the United States and Japan. For other destinations, please contact us for a delivered price.
Secure, reinforced packaging with tracking.
Note: Import duties or taxes may apply depending on the regulations of the destination country. For items over 100 years old, reduced import duties or taxes may apply in some countries. On request, we can provide a certificate stating the item’s estimated age to assist with customs clearance.
DETAILS & PRICE
SKU: A113
Price:
Europe: €420 — delivery to Europe included
United States: US$480 — delivery to the USA included
Japan: ¥38,000 — delivery within Japan included
Material: Smoked bamboo with wooden insert and base
Period: Meiji–Taishō period (c. 1890s–1920s)
Origin: Japan
Features:
Tall oval body, inset handle, signed insert, carved wooden base, rich patina
Dimensions: W 33 × D 24 × H 44 cm (13 × 9.4 × 17.3 in)
Condition:
Very good antique condition, with expected wear and patina consistent with its age; stable structure.
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