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Vintage Japanese Double Gourd Ikebana Basket - Woven Bamboo Hyotan Hanakago with Gnarled Burl Root Wood Stand - 1920s Wabi Sabi.
Rare vintage Japanese hyotan double-gourd ikebana flower basket with integral driftwood / burl root stand - a true sculptural piece.
This handwoven basket is made from split, lacquered bamboo in a rich reddish-brown. The lower gourd has an open mouth for arrangement (originally would have held a ceramic or copper otoshi water insert - not included), the upper gourd is closed with woven stem. The whole thing is cradled in a dramatic, gnarled natural root wood stand - wisteria root / burl - secured with bamboo ties. The root branches up and around the back as a handle/support.
Perfect for a simple branch arrangement, dried florals, or as pure wabi-sabi sculpture on a tokonoma, mantel, or bookshelf. In Japan the double gourd (hyotan) is a centuries-old symbol of good luck and good health.
Details:
_ Form: Double-gourd hyotan hanakago, midare-ami weave
_ Material: Hand-split bamboo, natural burl / wisteria root wood, dark lacquer
_ Age: Early to mid 20th century, Taisho / early Showa period (1920s-1940s estimate), unmarked
_ Dimensions: Approx. 14.5" L x 9" W x 12.5" H overall - Lower gourd basket approx. 7" long x 5" wide. Please see ruler photo for scale - last photo shows 10-15" mark. Buyer will get exact measurements before shipping.
_ Condition: Good vintage condition with wonderful patina. Bamboo is strong and intact, no major breaks or missing weaves. Expected age wear: lacquer crazing, light white bloom / dusty patina in the weave (see close-ups), wear and small chips to dark stain on root wood. Structurally solid and displays beautifully. No water insert.
_ Style: Wabi-sabi, Japonisme, tea ceremony, ikebana, folk craft
