Antique Japanese Woven Bamboo 'Take Kagu' Ikebana Flower Arranging Basket 21"
Antique hand crafted basket for Chabana, flower arrangements that decorate a Japanese tea room.
This superbly hand woven Ikebana basket exhibits the craftsmans' high level of skill and is made from Hobichiku (smoked bamboo) which is then woven in various patterns. The dark, smoked bamboo patina contains warm coloured hues of browns, oranges and umber that compliment each other.
The slim clindrical body of the basket incorporates a variety of wagumi weaving patterns and techniques, a sign of an experienced basket weaver. The top is round whilst the base tapers to a square shape - the whole resting on 4 small feet. Japanese aesthetics were at their best in the age of the Shogun and Samurai. It is getting harder to find fine older baskets in such good Condition.
Dimensions: Dia 6" approx. H21". First to Second Quarter 20th. Century.
The artist used split bamboo culms as both the four bases which continue to become the four cornered support pole for construction. They taper toward the upper rim and eventually artistically disappeared into the plaiting. The use of the two twill plaiting that transition from the double at the lower portion to single at the upper portion further enhance the lightness in the appearance of this piece. Bent bamboo strips were used for both the handle and the rim and a split three-prong detail on the handle construction not only strengthen the durability of the piece but also provide a subtle ornamentation.