Tall Japanese Sooted Bamboo Ikebana Floor Basket Mingei Meiji Taisho Period

A very tall and elegant Japanese Ikebana flower arrangement basket handwoven with sooted bamboo and rattan circa 1900-20s (Meiji to Taisho period). Although not signed, the basket by an anonymous artist is an impressive sight and embodies charming Mingei spirit. Standing near 40 inches in height, the Ikebana was designated to a large wall alcove (Tokonoma) as a significant center piece. Woven in a largely square form starting from the base with an inner wall constructed with twill plaiting and an outer wall of irregular and armor plaiting, the ikebana morphs into a more organic form in its upper part with sculptural and airy arches forming with bent bamboo stripes. The contrast of a plain inner wall and a free-spirited outer wall is visually appealing. The handle was made from wisteria vine, lacquered nearly black and wrapped on the top portion in thin rattan strips. The square base was reinforced with thicker timber bamboo. The bamboo used were collected from old household known as "sooted" bamboo (susutake in Japanese). Much smoke residues are present and renders the basket an intended rustic wabi-sabi charm.
With its impressive size and elegant form, this ikebana will for sure draw the attention in any space.