Showrooms

Japanese Wagumi Handled Bamboo Basket Ikebana

Offered by: Tishu

Description
Bold, rustic and with an earthy free spirit, this wagumi style flower basket with twisted handle (ikebana) was designed and woven to evoke a sense of serenity an humbleness during the tea ceremony. With a large and solid barrel shape that evokes a visual sense of weight and mass, the basket was woven with a tight twill plaiting for the interior layer, more natural and rustic bamboo strips were then woven with a loose and slightly irregular hexagonal plaiting to form an exterior veins-like layer, extending from the reinforced secondary top rim. Bundles of bamboo strips were twisted into ropes-like handle and inserted into the body, giving the whole piece a robust vitality. The base was woven in a tight hexagonal mat plaiting. Although not signed, this basket conveys a beauty achieved through a fine balance between free-spirit and constrains, certainly from the hands of a basketry master.
The wagumi style was found popular and specifically Japanese at the turn of the 20th century, a departure in style from the formal and finely woven Chinese styles. The basket was lacquered in a deep brown color. Sooted bamboo was used as the residues of smokes can be discerned. It retains the inner container for water made out of a bamboo trunk. Circa 1920s. Not signed.

More Information

Origin:	United States
Period:	1920-1949
Materials:	bamboo
Condition:	Good. General patina, color variation and surface wear, typical in antique basket, all as shown.
Creation Date:	1920s
Styles / Movements:	Bespoke, Asian, Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	362174

Dimensions

H.	16 in;	Diam.	13 in;
H.	40.64 cm;	Diam.	33.02 cm;

Message from Seller:

Tishu, based in Atlanta, GA, offers a diverse collection ranging from Neolithic art to 20th-century collectibles, with a focus on Mid-century design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian textiles, and Contemporary Aboriginal art. Driven by a passion for timeless beauty, the gallery is open by appointment only and offers works that span 5,000 years of history. Reach them at 305-400-0561 or tishu@tishugallery.com.