Japanese Bamboo Baskets with Washi, “Tengu,” 1930s

Dimensions of the largest basket: height 7 cm, width 35 cm, depth 26 cm.

Woven from bamboo and wrapped in warm reddish-brown washi, the pieces are decorated with calligraphy (kanji and kana) and red seal marks; the round dish features an expressive hand-painted Tengu. In Japan, Tengu—a long-nosed mountain spirit—symbolizes protection, discernment, and the warding off of misfortune, bringing a lively, auspicious note to the home.

Both practical and decorative: ideal for keys in the hallway, pens and notes on a desk, tea or sweets on the table, or jewelry and small finds in the living room. Striking on their own as a distinctive interior accent.

Early Shōwa period; in very good condition with light signs of age.