Basket - Bamboo, Plastic - Rantai Lacquerware

Japanese Bamboo Flower Basket with Openwork Weaving and Lacquer Finish – Ikebana Basket with Handle – Rantai Lacquerware – Showa era (昭和時代, 1926–1989)

This refined Japanese flower basket is an elegant example of traditional bamboo craftsmanship used for ikebana flower arrangement. The basket is created using finely woven bamboo and finished with lacquer in a striking black and red color combination, giving the piece both visual depth and durability.

The body of the basket features an intricate openwork lattice weaving pattern, allowing light to pass through the structure and highlighting the skill of the artisan. The bamboo strips are carefully arranged in a rhythmic pattern that creates a dynamic texture while maintaining structural strength. The surface is coated with lacquer, producing a glossy finish that enhances the contrast between the dark lacquer and the vivid red accents visible within the weave.

The basket has a graceful rounded body and a beautifully crafted arched handle with twisted bamboo elements, adding both elegance and stability to the design. This sculptural handle is not only functional but also serves as a decorative element, giving the basket a strong visual presence typical of Japanese bamboo art.

Inside the basket is a removable flower container (likely plastic), designed to hold water and flowers safely while protecting the bamboo structure. This practical feature allows the basket to be used directly for ikebana arrangements while preserving the traditional appearance of the woven exterior.

The basket comes with its original decorative storage box, featuring traditional Japanese patterns, which enhances its collectability and presentation.

Pieces of this type were commonly produced during the Showa era (昭和時代, 1926–1989), when Japanese bamboo craftsmen continued to refine traditional basketry techniques while adapting them for modern decorative use. Today such baskets are appreciated both as functional flower vessels and as sculptural works of Japanese craft.

The basket remains in good vintage condition with minor signs of age consistent with lacquered bamboo craftsmanship. Please examine the photographs carefully for details of the condition and weaving.

Note:
The styled interior photograph is for display purposes only and is intended to illustrate how the Basket may be presented.
This auction lot includes the Basket only.

Artist / Craft Tradition Profile
Japanese Bamboo Basketry and Rantai Lacquerware
Japanese bamboo basketry is one of the most sophisticated traditional crafts in Japan. Bamboo artisans developed highly refined weaving techniques that allowed them to produce objects that are both practical and artistic.

A distinctive technique used in such works is Rantai lacquerware (籃胎漆器), where woven bamboo forms the structure of the object and layers of lacquer are applied to strengthen and protect the surface. This technique combines the flexibility of bamboo with the durability and aesthetic richness of lacquer.

During the Showa era (昭和時代, 1926–1989), bamboo craftsmen continued to produce ikebana baskets that balanced traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. These works are now appreciated internationally by collectors of Japanese bamboo art and Asian decorative crafts.

Size
Basket
Approx. H × W × D: 30 × 14 × 14 cm
Weight: 234 g

Box
Approx. 32.5 × 18.5 × 17.5 cm
Weight: 630 g

Condition: (Please refer to the photos for details)
- This is a vintage / pre-owned item.
- Due to age and previous use, there may be signs of wear such as scratches, stains, discoloration, or creases.
- Please note that vintage items may have a distinctive smell due to long-term storage or materials used.
Sensitivity to such odors may vary from person to person and from country to country.
- We try to describe the condition as accurately as possible, but perceptions may differ depending on individual standards.
- Colors may appear slightly different depending on your monitor or lighting when the photos were taken.
- Please purchase only if you understand and appreciate the unique characteristics of vintage items.

Shipping
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by mainly Japan Post or DHL depend on the situation.
It will be shipped from Japan, so it takes about 2-3 weeks to receive normally.

Please understand that we use recycled materials (cardboard, old newspapers, etc.)
as much as possible for packaging materials in order to protect the environment.

Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.

Sometimes Customs or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email.
Please make sure that you could answer their contact.
If you don't, the parcel will be returned to us and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.

Thank you for your cooperation.