This elegant traditional Japanese bamboo basket with handle (takekago) is a beautifully hand-woven piece of bamboo craftsmanship. The basket features an airy openwork structure with dynamic diagonal weaving, creating a sculptural and visually striking form that highlights the natural flexibility and strength of bamboo. The body is constructed with finely split bamboo strips woven in an expressive crisscross pattern. The weaving flows upward toward the rim, where the bamboo strips are carefully twisted and bound to form a refined and organic edge. The tall arched handle, also made of twisted bamboo, adds both structural balance and aesthetic elegance. The base stands on four small feet, giving the basket stability while elevating it slightly above the surface. This design is characteristic of traditional baskets used in Sencha tea culture and flower arrangement, where such baskets were often used as flower containers (hanakago) or decorative utensils within the tea setting. The natural warm color of aged bamboo and the subtle irregularities of hand craftsmanship give the basket a charming wabi-sabi character. The open lattice structure also creates beautiful shadows and visual depth, making it an attractive decorative object even when empty. Based on the weaving style and overall construction, the piece is estimated to date from the late Showa period (昭和後期, c. 1970s–1980s). It can be appreciated both as a functional basket and as an example of traditional Japanese bamboo craft. This piece would make a fine addition to a collection of Japanese bamboo art, tea ceremony utensils, ikebana baskets, or Asian decorative arts. Artist / Maker Profile The maker of this basket is unknown; however, it represents the long tradition of Japanese bamboo weaving (takezaiku). Bamboo craftsmanship has been practiced in Japan for centuries, producing a wide variety of utilitarian and artistic objects including baskets, tea utensils, flower containers, and decorative art pieces. Bamboo baskets used in tea culture and flower arrangement are particularly valued for their natural beauty, lightness, and the expressive weaving techniques developed by skilled craftsmen. Such pieces reflect the Japanese aesthetic appreciation of natural materials and refined handwork. Size Approx. size: H × W × D: 30 × 24 × 24 cm Weight: 176 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.