Large Antique Japanese Smoke Bamboo Basket Wisteria Root Handle Meiji Period

Large and robust in presence, this antique Japanese bamboo flower basket (ikebana) with tall handle is dated to the late 19th century toward the end of Meiji Period. The basket was woven with smoked bamboo, also known as sooted bamboo (Susutake in Japanese). The material was intentionally collected from kitchen in the old farmhouse, where years of cooking smoke resulted in the patinated surface that was much desired by some artists. The body of the basket takes a tsubo shape, which is often found in Japanese folk ceramics from historical time. The volume was demanded by practical use for storage. The wall was woven in a free-form needle plating, tight and rhythmic. The handle of the basket was constructed from wisteria roots, selected for their twisted form and knobbed texture which resulted in a rustic sculptural quality. The end of the handle was built bifurcated and is directly attached to the wall by rattan bundles.
This basket, although we do not know the author, demonstrates a high degree of wabi-sabi appeal. Its impressive size and the intentionally selected material make it a very attractive piece full of Mingei (folky) charm.