Old Bamboo Hanging Flower Vase by Untei for Tea Ceremony, Original Box

<p>Maker / Brand: Untei Seizo Title of Work: Old Bamboo Hanging Cylinder Flower Vase with Tomobako, Tea Ceremony Utensil</p> <p>This exquisite hanging flower vase, known as a kakehanaire, is a creation by Untei Seizo, crafted from aged bamboo. Designed for the refined practice of the Japanese tea ceremony, or chado, this piece embodies a serene aesthetic, perfect for displaying a single bloom or a minimalist floral arrangement. It comes complete with its original wooden storage box, or tomobako, which shows signs of age including scratches, dirt, and stains.</p> <p>Artistic & Cultural Background Bamboo has long been revered in Japan for its strength, flexibility, and symbolic purity, making it a favored material in traditional crafts, particularly those associated with the tea ceremony. A kakehanaire, or hanging flower vase, is a specific type of hanaire (flower vase) used in chabana, the art of flower arrangement for tea gatherings. These pieces are often chosen for their natural simplicity, reflecting the wabi-sabi aesthetic that values understated beauty and the passage of time.</p> <p>Design & Technique This kakehanaire showcases the natural beauty of aged bamboo, skillfully shaped into a cylindrical form. The inherent texture and subtle variations of the bamboo stalk are celebrated, requiring minimal intervention to highlight its organic charm. A simple bamboo handle is integrated for hanging, and a copper otoshi (insert) holds water for the flowers. Consistent with its age, the bamboo hanging handle shows some deterioration, and the copper otoshi exhibits minor scratches, dirt, and dullness, all contributing to its authentic vintage character.</p> <p>Form & Aesthetic Qualities <strong>Organic Simplicity:</strong> The vase's cylindrical form and natural bamboo material exude an understated elegance, celebrating the inherent beauty of the raw material. <strong>Aged Patina:</strong> The bamboo displays a rich, aged patina, with subtle marks and variations that tell a story of time and use, embodying the wabi-sabi aesthetic. <strong>Harmonious Presence:</strong> Designed to hold a single flower or a small, carefully chosen arrangement, it creates a focal point of quiet beauty and contemplation.</p> <p>Collector & Decorative Appeal <strong>Authentic Tea Ceremony Item:</strong> A genuine piece used in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, offering a tangible connection to a rich cultural heritage. <strong>Versatile Display:</strong> Its elegant simplicity makes it suitable for display in a traditional tokonoma alcove, a modern minimalist interior, or as an accent in any space seeking a touch of Japanese tranquility. <strong>Timeless Japanese Craftsmanship:</strong> Represents the enduring artistry of bamboo craft, appealing to collectors who appreciate natural materials and traditional aesthetics.</p> <p>This Untei Seizo kakehanaire is an ideal acquisition for connoisseurs of Japanese tea ceremony utensils and those who appreciate the serene beauty of natural materials in art.</p> <h3>Details</h3> <table style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100%"><tr><td style="padding:4px 12px 4px 0;font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap">Condition</td><td style="padding:4px 0">Good</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:4px 12px 4px 0;font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap">Material</td><td style="padding:4px 0">Bronze</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:4px 12px 4px 0;font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap">Era</td><td style="padding:4px 0">Unknown</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:4px 12px 4px 0;font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap">Weight</td><td style="padding:4px 0">重さ305g</td></tr></table>