Tea service - Bamboo

Folding traditional Japanese kekkai – Separation for the tea ceremony – Brown-red dyed bamboo – Japan, Showa era (estimate)

Elegant **traditional Japanese kekkai**, an accessory used in the tea art (chanoyu) to symbolically delineate the different spaces of a ceremony.

This object is distinguished by its folding, openwork structure, composed of articulated panels in bamboo dyed to a deep brown-red color, with tones that appear almost black depending on the light.

The elements are arranged in asymmetrical geometric patterns evoking interlaced bamboo branches.

The uprights and crosspieces feature the characteristic bamboo knots, creating a harmonious and refined ensemble.

Thanks to its articulated structure, this kekkai can be deployed to a total width of 117.5 cm, then folded to facilitate storage.

It can be used within the traditional tea ceremony framework, but also as a decorative element in a Japanese interior or a collection of Asian art objects.

Origin and dating
- Country of origin: Japan
- Period: probably Showa era (1926–1989), stylistic estimation
- Material: bamboo dyed dark brown-red
- Technique: assembly of openwork and articulated panels
- Function: traditional kekkai-type separation for the tea ceremony

Dimensions
- Height: 22.8 cm
- Total unfolded width: 117.5 cm
- Thickness: 1.5 cm

Condition
- Item never used, in excellent conservation state.

The finish has a beautiful gloss and the geometric patterns are well preserved.

The set is accompanied by its storage box visible in the photographs.

Please examine the photos carefully, which are an integral part of the description.

Collector's interest

This kekkai is a fine example of Japanese craftsmanship inspired by the traditional bamboo aesthetic.

Its elegant openwork structure, its brown-red finish, and its folding design make it an interesting object for collectors of tea ceremony accessories, Japanese crafts and traditional decorative objects.