Antique Japanese Bamboo Flower Basket (Hanakago 花籠)

This impressive Meiji period hanakago (花籠, flower basket) is crafted in a bold, sculptural style. Its rounded, bulbous body is formed from broad overlapping bamboo strips, giving the basket a powerful sense of volume and movement. The braided bamboo handle and reinforced rim add strength and visual balance to the design.

The basket displays a deep, rich patina, reflecting over a century of age and use. Such pieces were admired in the late 19th century for their natural dynamism, often placed in the alcoves (tokonoma) of traditional homes to hold seasonal flowers.

Meiji-era bamboo baskets embraced both strength and rustic elegance, bridging utility and art. Their bold forms often paralleled the aesthetics of wabi-sabi, where irregularity and natural flow were celebrated as beauty.

Bonus Note: The rounded, pumpkin-like body of this basket echoes motifs of abundance and prosperity, making it as symbolic as it is functional.

• SKU: A117

• Material: Bamboo

• Period: Meiji era (1868–1912)

• Origin: Japan

• Features: Bulbous rounded body formed with broad bent strips, braided handle and rim, dark patina

• Dimensions: W 18 × D 18 × H 34 cm (7 × 7 × H13.3 in)

• Condition: Good antique condition; surface wear and rich patina consistent with age

Free worldwide shipping to most destinations where rates are comparable to the EU, UK, and US. For regions with higher costs, please contact us for a shipping quote. Secure, reinforced packaging.

Note: Import duties or taxes may apply depending on the regulations of the destination country. For items over 100 years old, many countries allow reduced or tax-free import. On request, we can provide a certificate of authenticity stating the item’s age to assist with customs clearance.