Meiji Decorative Baskets

MEIJI STYLE

From 1868 to 1912, Emperor Mutsuhito oversaw an era of transformation in Japan. Formerly a country of feudalism and isolation, Japan entered an age of modernization influenced by newly established trade and exchange with the West. The Meiji period, or period of “enlightened rule,” also saw the global impact of the East Asian country’s culture. Japanese Meiji furniture was exhibited at expositions from Paris to San Francisco and created for export.

Prior to the Meiji era, furniture was mostly made by commission for the ruling class; now there were new domestic and international markets. European styles like Japonisme appropriated Japanese design while craftsmen in places like Wales and England employed japanning, a varnishing technique that approximated the appearance of lacquer for the surfaces of furnishings.

Meiji furniture made for Japanese homes and buildings constructed in Western styles resulted in taller tables, chairs, cabinets with large drawers and other features. The government invested in areas such as transportation and communication, and because people could freely choose occupations after the restrictions of feudalism, industries of various types were energized by expressive new ideas during those years. Art schools were formed and, for the first time, design was an area of study in the country, leading to the evolution of professional design as a career by the 1890s.

The work of Japanese designers was transmitted widely through lavishly illustrated pattern books that included designs for screens and lacquerware for the home. While screens today may be of use as decorative accents or partitions to ensure privacy in one’s space, Japanese screens were adorned with paintings and were featured in performing arts such as concerts, tea ceremonies and more. The color illustrations that characterize Meiji woodblock prints, a genre of Japanese art that grew out of 17th-century developments in printing and book publishing, depicted the sweeping changes that the era brought to East Asia.

Although it was a time of societal and cultural shifts, a bolstered interest in art and design elevated Japanese craft traditions. From colorful porcelain table lamps with silk shades and hardwood tables decorated with dark lacquer to cabinets featuring iron hardware and inlaid with mother-of-pearl, Meiji furniture showcased Japan’s artistic heritage to the world.

Find a collection of antique Japanese Meiji period case pieces and storage cabinets, decorative objects, wall decorations and more furniture on 1stDibs.

Style: Meiji

Japanese Handwoven Bamboo Ikebana Basket — Early 20th Century

$1,110

Japanese Handwoven Bamboo Ikebana Basket — Early 20th Century

Located in Fukuoka, JP

Dimensions: 20 × 30 × 44 cm Origin: Japan A beautifully handwoven Japanese bamboo basket from the early 20th century, traditionally used for ikebana flower arrangements. Meticulousl...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo

Japanese Meiji Tabane-Ami Ikebana Basket

$1,280

Japanese Meiji Tabane-Ami Ikebana Basket

Located in Chicago, IL

This graceful bamboo basket is an exceptional, early 20th century flower basket (hanakago) designed especially for ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arrangement. Masterfully woven ...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo

Antique Hanging Boat Ikebana Basket, Bamboo, Japanese

$950

Antique Hanging Boat Ikebana Basket, Bamboo, Japanese

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Boat shaped Ikebana basket, the Japanese art of flower arrangement. Made of bamboo with copper insert, signature of maker. This one of a kind ikebana basket features an irregular wea...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo

Basket Woven from Japanese Bamboo / Wabi-Sabi Bamboo Object

$350

Basket Woven from Japanese Bamboo / Wabi-Sabi Bamboo Object

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

It is an old Japanese basket. It seems that it was used to dry something. A charming object with a wabisabi atmosphere. The shadows are very nic...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo

Japanese Meiji Twisted Ikebana Basket

$1,280

Japanese Meiji Twisted Ikebana Basket

Located in Chicago, IL

Wild and tumultuous, this sculptural bamboo form is an early 20th century flower basket (hanakago) designed especially for ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arrangement. Masterfull...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo

Beautiful Japanese Ikebana Bamboo Basket, Early 20th Century

$820

Beautiful Japanese Ikebana Bamboo Basket, Early 20th Century

Located in Fukuoka, JP

This elegant Japanese ikebana basket dates to the early 20th century and exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of traditional bamboo work. The basket displays a well-balanced form an...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo

Japanese Meiji Susutake Ikebana Basket, Early 20th Century

$880

Japanese Meiji Susutake Ikebana Basket, Early 20th Century

Located in Chicago, IL

This graceful bamboo basket is an early 20th century flower basket (hanakago) designed especially for ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arrangement. Masterfully woven from thin str...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo

Japanese Antique Paper Covered Basket / 1868-1912s / Wabi-sabi Mingei

$400

Japanese Antique Paper Covered Basket / 1868-1912s / Wabi-sabi Mingei

Located in Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture

This is a basket with old Japanese paper pasted it. Japanese paper colored with Bengala is pasted on a bamboo basket. It is thought to be from the Meiji period. The technique of s...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo, Paper

Hand-Woven Bamboo Ikebana Basket, Meiji Style, 20th Century

$900

Hand-Woven Bamboo Ikebana Basket, Meiji Style, 20th Century

Located in Fukuoka, JP

This elegant tall Japanese ikebana basket dates to the 20th century and showcases the refined craftsmanship of traditional bamboo work. The elongated proportions give the basket a sc...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo

Meiji Hand-Woven Bamboo Basket, Japan, Early 20th Century, Signed

$900

Meiji Hand-Woven Bamboo Basket, Japan, Early 20th Century, Signed

Located in Fukuoka, JP

Fine Ikebana Bamboo Basket. Bamboo with natural patination. Age: early 20th century Good conditionwith some abrasions and patination. Size : 65.5/19/16cm ( 27.5/7.5/6.3inch ) ...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo

Tall Japanese Sooted Bamboo Ikebana Floor Basket Mingei Meiji Taisho Period

$5,800

Tall Japanese Sooted Bamboo Ikebana Floor Basket Mingei Meiji Taisho Period

Located in Atlanta, GA

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...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Hand Woven Rice Basket with Wooden Frame and Handle

$398

Hand Woven Rice Basket with Wooden Frame and Handle

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A beautifully **hand-woven and hand-crafted rice basket**, dating to the **late 19th / early 20th century**, expertly constructed of woven rattan and framed in wood with bamboo detai...

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Cane, Raffia, Rattan, Wood

Large Antique Japanese Bamboo Flower Basket Hahakago in Chinese Taste

$7,600

Large Antique Japanese Bamboo Flower Basket Hahakago in Chinese Taste

Located in Atlanta, GA

This Japanese woven bamboo flower basket (Hanakago) of large size and impressive presence was constructed in a classic Chinese form derived from the shape of porcelain vase known as "HaiTangZun" (Begonia Vase). Known as karamono (objects in Chinese style), It features a baluster body, a concave neck opening to an everted wide rim, handles on the sides, and a slightly flaring foot. This particular form became popular during the reign of Qing emperor Yongzheng (1723–1735 AD). Although the basket was inspired by the Chinese form, its construction was entirely Japanese with a particular touch on the handles, two lateral ridge enforcements and a creative addition of the foot support. Impressive in size, the basket was made during late Meiji period (end of 19th-early 20th century) as an ikebana container...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Japanese Flower Arranging Ikebana Basket

$5,556

19th Century Japanese Flower Arranging Ikebana Basket

Located in Germantown, MD

A rare Meiji Japanese flower arranging ikebana basket. Hancrafted and handwoven in split bamboo skins and vines roots. Great antique condition. Measur...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Wood, Reed

19th Century Japanese Flower Arranging Ikebana Basket with Handle

$5,996

19th Century Japanese Flower Arranging Ikebana Basket with Handle

Located in Germantown, MD

A Meiji Japanese Flower Arranging Ikebana Basket. Hancrafted and handwoven in bamboo, split reed and bamboo skins. Bamboo construction with twisted rope design Great antique conditio...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Reed, Wood

Large Rare Japanese Bamboo Flower Basket Hahakago by Tokosai

$7,200

Large Rare Japanese Bamboo Flower Basket Hahakago by Tokosai

Located in Atlanta, GA

An oversize Japanese Ikebana Hanakago basket) handwoven with bamboo and rattan by Tokōsai (a bamboo artist active in the Kansai region circa late 19th Century) in the form of Tsuri-B...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Japanese Woven Bamboo Tabako-bon, c. 1900

$380

Japanese Woven Bamboo Tabako-bon, c. 1900

Located in Chicago, IL

This woven basket is actually a Japanese tabako-bon, or 'tobacco tray,' used as a portable hibachi for lighting tobacco pipes. Believed to have evolved from the traditional accessories of Japanese incense ceremony, tabako-bons first came into use in the 17th century and were often beautifully decorated to display one's wealth and status. This tabako-bon is woven of smoked bamboo and features a ceramic...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Ceramic, Bamboo

Important Japanese Ikebana basket of an Oblong form

$3,537

Important Japanese Ikebana basket of an Oblong form

Located in PARIS, FR

Hanakago basket for ikebana in rattan and bamboo. Oblong, rounded on the sides, it features a lacquered bamboo vase. Rattan braiding scattered over the body, tightly woven over the ...

Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker

Japanese ikebana banakago basket of Chinese style

$3,537

Japanese ikebana banakago basket of Chinese style

Located in PARIS, FR

Handled circular ikebana basket (hanakago) in Chinese style, in vanished bamboo and rattan. Inside in copper alloy. Ikebana or Ka-do (the way of flowers) is a traditional Japanese a...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Oversize Antique Japanese Hanging Flower Basket

$7,500

Oversize Antique Japanese Hanging Flower Basket

Located in Hudson, NY

Oversize antique Japanese hanging flower basket. Dramatic and large (36" long) flower basket built to be hung on a wall with an insert so you can enjo...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo

Japanese Ikebana 'Flower Arranging Basket' by Teijo Sai

$3,800

Japanese Ikebana 'Flower Arranging Basket' by Teijo Sai

Located in Hudson, NY

Japanese Ikebana (Flower Arranging Basket), Signed by Teijo Sai (the artist) on the bottom. Meiji Period (1868-1912) ikebana made of smoked bamboo, polished with ash. Very nice weav...

Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo

Japanese Meiji Cloisonné Charger, Hand-Painted Porcelain Bowl, Japan

$1,195

H 1.25 in Dm 12 in

Japanese Meiji Cloisonné Charger, Hand-Painted Porcelain Bowl, Japan

Located in Miami, FL

Japanese Meiji Cloisonné Charger, Decorative Dish or Bowl A beautiful example of Japanese Meiji-style cloisonné craftsmanship, this finely det...

Category

20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Oval Woven Rattan Basket with Lid and Geometric Motifs

$575

H 25 in W 20 in D 11 in

Vintage Oval Woven Rattan Basket with Lid and Geometric Motifs

Located in Yonkers, NY

A Chinese vintage unusual oval-shaped rattan basket from the mid-20th century, with lid and geometric motifs. Crafted in China during the midcentury period, this woven rattan basket...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Rattan

Japanese ikebana bamboo basket - Showa, 20th

$3,066

H 14.61 in Dm 3.35 in

Japanese ikebana bamboo basket - Showa, 20th

Located in PARIS, FR

Ikebana basket (hanakago) made of dark brown varnished bamboo wickerwork rounded shape with a twisted handle. Ikebana or Ka-do (the way of flowers) is a traditional Japanese art of...

Category

20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Wood

Antique Hand Woven Rustic Karagumoy Filipino Two Toned Grain Basket

$550

H 22.5 in W 24 in D 9 in

Antique Hand Woven Rustic Karagumoy Filipino Two Toned Grain Basket

Located in Yonkers, NY

A hand woven karagumoy Filipino basket from the 19th century, with checkered two-toned structure, side opening and rustic character. Created in the Phi...

Category

19th Century Philippine Antique Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Natural Fiber, Wood

Japanese Ikebana 'Flower Arranging Basket' by Teijo Sai

$3,800

H 21.5 in Dm 15 in

Japanese Ikebana 'Flower Arranging Basket' by Teijo Sai

Located in Hudson, NY

Japanese Ikebana (Flower Arranging Basket), Signed by Teijo Sai (the artist) on the bottom. Meiji Period (1868-1912) ikebana made of smoked bamboo, polished with ash. Very nice weav...

Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo

Tall Japanese Bamboo Ikebana Basket, Arched Handle, 20th Century

$740

H 22.84 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in

Tall Japanese Bamboo Ikebana Basket, Arched Handle, 20th Century

Located in Fukuoka, JP

A striking and elegantly proportioned Japanese bamboo flower basket (hana-kago) of tall, tapering rectangular form, surmounted by a graceful high arched handle — a piece that combine...

Category

20th Century Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo

20th Century, Laos Bamboo Basket

$320

H 10.44 in Dm 14.45 in

20th Century, Laos Bamboo Basket

Located in Sampantawong, TH

Laos bamboo basket. Age: Laos, 20th Century Size: Height 26.5 C.M. / Diameter 36.7 C.M. Condition: Nice condition overall.

Category

20th Century Laotian Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo

20th Century, Laos Bamboo Basket

$320

H 10.56 in Dm 15.63 in

20th Century, Laos Bamboo Basket

Located in Sampantawong, TH

Laos bamboo basket. Age: Laos, 20th Century Size: Height 26.8 C.M. / Diameter 39.7 C.M. Condition: Nice condition overall.

Category

20th Century Laotian Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo

Antique Japanese Shoi Kago Basket, Early 20th Century

$450

H 11.25 in W 21 in D 5 in

Antique Japanese Shoi Kago Basket, Early 20th Century

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful shoi kago basket from Japan, early 20th century. Wisteria vine handwoven in a traditional technique. Original vine shows nice age and patina throughout. Perfect as a decora...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Natural Fiber

Japanese Meiji Susutake Ikebana Basket, Early 20th Century

$880

H 13.25 in Dm 6.25 in

Japanese Meiji Susutake Ikebana Basket, Early 20th Century

Located in Chicago, IL

This graceful bamboo basket is an early 20th century flower basket (hanakago) designed especially for ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arrangement. Masterfully woven from thin str...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo

Japanese Woven Bamboo Morikago Basket Suruga Sensuji Style, Vintage

$325

H 3 in Dm 11 in

Japanese Woven Bamboo Morikago Basket Suruga Sensuji Style, Vintage

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Vintage woven Morikago basket features shallow open basket shape with wide rim. The wider bamboo strips that form the complex pattern on the bottom of the basket and divide into 4 th...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker

19th Antique Japanese Wabi sabi Urushi Konebachi Huge hand-carved dough bowl

$800

H 6.7 in W 25.99 in D 25.87 in

19th Antique Japanese Wabi sabi Urushi Konebachi Huge hand-carved dough bowl

Located in 常陸大宮市, JP

Antique wooden dough bowl, Konebachi. - Hand-carved from the one solid wood piece , circa 1870s - 1900s. dough bowls were widely owned by the ordinary Japanese households, the most ...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Wood

Previously Available Items

Japanese Ikebana Bamboo Basket, 20th Century

Sold

H 15.36 in Dm 8.67 in

Japanese Ikebana Bamboo Basket, 20th Century

Located in Fukuoka, JP

This refined Japanese ikebana bamboo basket dates to the 20th century and reflects the understated elegance of traditional bamboo craftsmanship. The balanced proportions and natural ...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo

Antique Ikebana Basket , Bamboo, Early 20th Century, Japanese

Sold

H 16 in Dm 10 in

Antique Ikebana Basket , Bamboo, Early 20th Century, Japanese

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Ikebana basket for the art of flower arrangement. This ikebana basket features a weave pattern which creates a hexagon shape and a twisted handle. It has a rounded body with handle a...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo

Ikebana Basket, Bamboo, Early 20th Century, Japanese

Sold

H 11 in W 7 in D 7 in

Ikebana Basket, Bamboo, Early 20th Century, Japanese

Located in Point Richmond, CA

This ikebana basket features two weave patterns with a twisted handle in a square shape. It has a deep brown color with a slight contrast to highlight the weaving. It is constructed ...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo

Japanese Antique Sooty Straw Container / Object Flower Vase / 1868-1912s wabig

Sold

H 24.81 in W 16.93 in D 14.97 in

Japanese Antique Sooty Straw Container / Object Flower Vase / 1868-1912s wabig

Located in Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture

This is an old container woven from straw. Over the years, it has turned black with soot. It is thought to have been used in a private home in the Tohoku region, but its exact purpo...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Straw

Japanese Hand-Woven Baskets, 4

Sold

H 19.5 in W 7.25 in D 7.25 in

Japanese Hand-Woven Baskets, 4

Located in Astoria, NY

Group of Four Japanese Hand-Woven Baskets, three having tops handles and three signed. Tallest: 19.5" H x 7.25" Diameter. Provenance: From a New York City Collection.

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Reed

Japanese Ikebana Basket with Natural Branch Handle, 19th Century

Sold

H 20.08 in W 11.82 in D 11.03 in

Japanese Ikebana Basket with Natural Branch Handle, 19th Century

Located in Fukuoka, JP

An exceptional 19th-century Japanese ikebana basket, masterfully woven with bold, sweeping bands of smoked bamboo. Its organic form exudes rustic elegance, further emphasized by the ...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo, Wood

Japanese Bird's Nest Ikebana Basket, c. 1900

Sold

H 6 in Dm 7.5 in

Japanese Bird's Nest Ikebana Basket, c. 1900

Located in Chicago, IL

This round bamboo basket is an early 20th century flower basket (hanakago) designed especially for ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arrangement. Reminiscent of a bird's nest, the ...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo

Japanese Susutake Ikebana Basket, c. 1900

Sold

H 13.25 in W 9.5 in D 9.5 in

Japanese Susutake Ikebana Basket, c. 1900

Located in Chicago, IL

This graceful bamboo basket is an early 20th century flower basket (hanakago) designed especially for ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arrangement. The basket has a squared form t...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo

Japanese Ikebana Basket with Tree Roots, c. 1850

Sold

H 14.5 in W 12.5 in D 12.5 in

Japanese Ikebana Basket with Tree Roots, c. 1850

Located in Chicago, IL

This incredible bamboo basket is a late-Meiji period flower basket (hanakago) designed especially for ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arrangement. The gorgeous basket is masterfu...

Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo, Wood

Japanese Ikebana Basket with Burled Handle, c. 1900

Sold

H 23 in W 10 in D 9.5 in

Japanese Ikebana Basket with Burled Handle, c. 1900

Located in Chicago, IL

This dramatic bamboo basket is a late-Meiji period flower basket (hanakago) designed especially for ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arrangement. The gorgeous basket is masterfull...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Wood, Bamboo

Beautiful old Japanese bamboo baskets/Flower baskets/1868-1920

Sold

H 10.56 in W 9.45 in D 16.54 in

Beautiful old Japanese bamboo baskets/Flower baskets/1868-1920

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

It's been a while since I've been able to get a beautiful bamboo basket in stock. It was probably used by people who worked in the mountains and other areas, hanging it here. However...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo

Japanese Bamboo Knitting Antique Flower Basket / Bamboo Vase/1868-1920

Sold

H 8.35 in Dm 11.42 in

Japanese Bamboo Knitting Antique Flower Basket / Bamboo Vase/1868-1920

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

The original use of this basket was as a fish cage for storing caught fish. This is thought to have been made as a flower vase, imitating that design. This item is carefully woven us...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Decorative Baskets

Materials

Bamboo

Meiji decorative baskets for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Meiji decorative baskets for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decorative baskets created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with bamboo, natural fiber and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Meiji decorative baskets made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and Japan pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for decorative baskets differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $225 and tops out at $7,200 while the average work can sell for $1,680.