Antique Japanese Bamboo Kago (Basket)
Old utilitarian bamboo basket with long flexible carrying loops · Taishō–early Shōwa era (c. 1912s–1950s).
This antique Japanese kago was sourced in Japan and selected for its craftsmanship, history, and quiet presence.
ABOUT THIS PIECE
This old Japanese kago (籠) is woven from bamboo in a dense, irregular pattern, creating a deep rounded body with a relatively narrow opening. Its dark reddish-brown surface has developed a rich and remarkably even patina, giving the basket a particularly strong presence.
The most distinctive feature is the pair of unusually long, flexible bamboo carrying loops. Rather than being rigidly fixed to the woven body, they are attached to a separate bamboo ring surrounding the upper part of the basket, allowing them to move freely. This practical construction allowed the basket to be carried or suspended, although its precise original use is unknown.
Small irregularities in the weave, old bindings and subtle traces of use remain visible throughout. Together with the deep colour of the aged bamboo, they give this functional everyday object a particularly appealing wabi-sabi character.
CULTURAL NOTE
Bamboo baskets were essential objects in everyday life in Japan and were made in numerous forms for carrying, gathering and storing different materials. Their construction was often closely adapted to their intended purpose, with variations in weave, shape, handles and reinforcement according to how they were used.
Many such objects were made primarily as practical tools rather than decorative pieces. With age, however, the bamboo develops colour and character that can give these once-ordinary objects a very different presence today.
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: A163
Price:
Europe: €420 — delivery to Europe included
United States: US$480 — delivery to the USA included
Japan: ¥42000 — delivery within Japan included
Material: Bamboo
Period: Taishō–early Shōwa era (c. 1912s–1950s)
Origin: Japan
Features:
Dense woven bamboo body; narrow opening; long flexible carrying loops attached to a separate bamboo ring; deep aged patina
Dimensions: W 32 × D 30 × H 50 cm (12.6 × 11.8 × 19.7 in)
Condition:
Good antique condition, with age-related wear, small irregularities and a rich, even patina consistent with its age.
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