Lidded Bamboo Picnic Basket with Beaded Handle
Decorative art, textile/wood craft (basketry) • Unidentified artisan, Japanese or Chinese export school
Style & Movement
East Asian Lacquerware / Asian Folk Art
Medium & Technique
Split and lacquered bamboo sections, carved wood handle, woven reed or wire structural binding, and traditional spirit-based lacquer finish.
Creation Period
Late 19th to Mid-20th Century (Meiji, Taisho, or early Showa era)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12-16 inches in length; oval format (top-down view)
Subject Description
The piece is an oval-shaped lidded utility vessel. The lid features a radial sunburst pattern at the curves and parallel bamboo slats across the center, topped with a cylindrical handle comprised of carved wooden beads. The aesthetic emphasizes the natural texture of bamboo under a rich reddish-brown glaze.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the piece shows significant patina consistent with age and functional use.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $400 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Likely a domestic utility item or export-grade giftware from the early 20th century. No specific labels or seals are visible from the dorsal view.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of vernacular bamboo craftsmanship. Such items reflect the intersection of utilitarian design and traditional lacquer finishing techniques common in the Pan-Asian region for the export market and domestic tea ceremonies.
Notable Features
The 'sunburst' arrangement of the tapered bamboo ends at the oval perimeters and the distinctive 'beaded' carved handle which provides a tactile contrast to the smooth slats.
Condition Issues
Visible wear on the handle beads (loss of finish), minor cracks in the bamboo slats, and surface abrasions/scuffs to the lacquer. Dust accumulation in the recessed vertical grooves.
Conservation Recommendations
Light dusting with a soft-bristled brush; avoid chemical cleaners which can strip old lacquer; maintain in a stable humidity environment to prevent the bamboo from splitting further.