Basket - Bamboo - Arima-style Basket, Otosh

Item Description

This bamboo flower basket (hanakago) for ikebana was described by the previous owner as an Arima basket (Arima-kago), a traditional basketry craft of Arima in Hyogo Prefecture. The tall, squared body tapers gently towards the base and is woven in a fine herringbone pattern (網代編み, ajiro-ami), with a deep reddish-brown tone. A tall arched handle rises above the rim; it is bound with three dark wrapped knots, and braided bamboo strands join it to the mouth. Vertical bamboo ribs run down the corners, and crossed bamboo strips reinforce the underside.

The basket comes with its bamboo water container (otoshi), approx. 18.5 cm high with an inner diameter of approx. 6 cm. According to the previous owner, it was filled with water and confirmed not to leak, so the basket is ready for fresh flowers. No maker’s mark or wooden box is present.

Image 4 is an AI-generated styling example only; flowers are not included.

Size

Height: 39 cm (including handle)
Width: 13.5 cm
Depth: 12 cm

Weight

209 g

Condition

Good vintage condition with natural patina and light signs of age, including minor wear and small scuffs at the inner rim and the base. Please refer to the photographs for details.

Artist Profile

Maker unknown; no signature. Arima basketry (有馬籠) is a traditional bamboo craft of Arima, a hot-spring town at the foot of the Rokkō mountains in Hyogo Prefecture. It is said to have begun in the Azuchi-Momoyama period (16th century), won an award at the 1873 Vienna World Exhibition, and flourished in the Taishō era. After the Second World War the number of craftsmen declined sharply, and today only one workshop continues the traditional techniques. It was designated a traditional craft of Hyogo Prefecture in 1993.

Additional Information

Origin: Japan
Style: Arima basketry (Arima-kago), as described by the previous owner
Material: Bamboo
Accessories: Bamboo water container (otoshi)
Use: Ikebana and flower arrangement, or as a decorative object

NOTICE
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx, depending on the situation. Delivery normally takes about 3 weeks.
Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.

Customs or the delivery company in your country may contact you by phone or email for customs clearance. Please make sure you can respond. If not, the parcel may be returned to us, and reshipping will cost more than double the original shipping fee.

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