Since the sixteenth century, woven baskets for flowers have been favorites for use in the tea ceremony. Designed to contain fresh-cut flowers, flower baskets were also used in shrines and in the alcoves in Japanese homes (“tokonoma”), providing an atmosphere conducive to the quiet and tranquil contemplation of nature. While bamboo baskets have served various utilitarian functions in Japanese daily life for centuries, they also have been valued for their beauty. They express a Japanese aesthetic rooted in simplicity, humble natural materials and imperfect beauty. Beginning in the Meiji period, Japanese basket makers gradually transformed traditional flower baskets from utilitarian containers into sculptural masterpieces crafted in a variety of shapes, weaves and knots. Japanese baskets make aesthetically pleasing flower containers, since they bring the garden indoors and lend themselves well to natural arrangements. (For an example of similar shape, see Plate 43a in “Containing Beauty: Japanese Bamboo Flower Baskets.”) Condition is perfect, with a wonderful old finish and patina to the bamboo. Dimensions: approximately 12” diameter, 1” width at top, 4 ½” width at base.