Meiji Early 20th Century Japanese Bamboo Basket Vase Peony Flowers Antique

Description

A dramatic Japanese woven bamboo Ikebana basket made of dark brown varnished bamboo wickerwork, square shape with rounded edges. Thicker … more A dramatic Japanese woven bamboo Ikebana basket made of dark brown varnished bamboo wickerwork, square shape with rounded edges. Thicker bamboo braids on both sides and on two of the four sides in the extension of the handle. Removable handle in five segments. Round pot to hold flowers.

Weaving similar technique to a ikebana basket conserved at the Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, Paris : Anonymous, Hanakago Karamono - Utsushi, Edo-Meiji period, 19th century. Bamboo, rattan and lacquer. 51.5 x 26.5 x 17 cm. Inv. 70.2015.40.8.1-3. (MARTIN, Stéphane (et alli.), Fendre l’air. Art du bambou au Japon [cat. exp. au musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, 27 novembre 2018 – 7 avril 2019], Paris : coédition musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac / Skira, 2018, p. 52)

Ikebana is a tradition of floral art that dates back over thirteen centuries. Japan was inspired by the floral art of China at the beginning of the 7th century. The Tang dynasty then radiated throughout the Eastern world and the Japanese ambassadors brought back with Buddhism the custom of floral offerings - kuge - to Buddhist altars and stupas.
The ambassador Ono no Imoko became the priest Senmu, and was the first in Japan to codify floral art. He preferred to the Confucian exuberance the Buddhist sobriety and the Trinitarian principle’s classic rigor than we still find today in many Japanese bouquets.

Side: 21 cm (8.27 inch) - Height: 19 cm (7.48 inch) without handle, 64 cm (25.2 inch) with handle

Purchase includes bamboo water insert and paper storage box

Excellent overall detail shows effortless craftsmanship in an unusual pattern and weave. less