Decorative Japanese Rootwood Display – Keyaki, 1970s

Bring the powerful stillness of Japanese nature into your home with this exceptional neagari (根上り) rootwood sculpture.

Dimensions: Height 55 cm, Width 48 cm, Depth 35 cm.

This sculptural piece, originating from Japan and dating to the 1970s, is a striking example of the Japanese aesthetic that embraces natural form, impermanence, and asymmetry — the essence of wabi-sabi.

Crafted with care from keyaki (欅), or Japanese zelkova, one of the most revered hardwoods in Japanese woodworking traditions, this piece features a warm golden to reddish-brown tone, a natural luster, and a distinctive grain pattern. Its robust, muscular form with knotted outgrowths and organic contours evokes a sense of vitality and movement. The polished finish enhances the depth and vibrancy of the wood, transforming it into a commanding and calming centerpiece.

Perfect as a base for bonsai displays — enhancing their natural aesthetic — or as a grounding element for ikebana arrangements where it offers a powerful contrast. It fits beautifully in wabi-sabi interiors, adding character and depth, or in modern Zen-inspired spaces to create a serene, contemplative atmosphere.

In Japan, such rootwood sculptures are traditionally used as decorative accents in the tokonoma (床の間) — an alcove in a reception room where art and nature harmoniously converge.

These objects symbolize the beauty of imperfection, the passage of time, and the untamed spirit of nature. They serve as tranquil focal points in minimalist interiors and deepen the connection with the natural world in a poetic, meaningful way.