Japanese Vintage Bamboo "KAGO" Basket

(Only One Item)

We are delighted to introduce the timeless elegance of this authentic Japanese "Kago" basket from the Showa Period (1926-1989), embodying the essence of Wabi-Sabi aesthetics. Our Japanese vintage collection features a single, unique item, each offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Embracing delicate imperfections and graceful ageing, this "Kago" basket embodies the essence of "Sabi" – celebrating beauty in tranquil solitude and the gentle passage of time. Each weathered surface tells a story of its own, inviting contemplation and appreciation for the transient nature of existence.

We hope that you will embrace the beauty of simplicity and let the spirit of Wabi-Sabi evoke serenity and fulfilment in your surroundings. 

• Materials: Bamboo

• Measurement:(D)34cm (H) 40cm

• Origin: Japan

• Time: The Showa Period (1926-1989) 

• Product care: Spot clean only. Please always handle them carefully, using two hands to hold the bottom. Do not place them near a fire, keep them dry and out of direct sunlight to avoid colour fading. Handcrafted items are sensitive and need extra care and thoughtfulness.   

• This basket was originally used for gathering plants and herbs. We admire its graceful ageing and quiet presence - it exudes a subtle charm. While it can be showcased as a objet d'art, it remains functional as a basket if desired.

• This vintage basket, though aged, retains its beauty without any signs of defects, having been wonderfully preserved. The gradual fading of its colour, as captured in the photos, adds to its allure. 

What is Wabi-Sabi?

Wabi-sabi, rooted in two Japanese terms, represents a deep appreciation for beauty. "Wabi" celebrates the spiritual richness found in simplicity and modesty, fostering contentment with what one has. Meanwhile, "Sabi" cherishes the beauty of ageing and solitude, recognising the allure of weathered objects. This philosophy embraces imperfection and impermanence, finding solace in life's simplicity. For example, finding beauty in the changing colours of leaves or the aged patina of a basket illustrates the essence of "Sabi." At its core, Wabi-Sabi reflects a profound cultural sensitivity and mindfulness, inviting joy and fulfilment from life's ordinary moments and the inherent beauty of what simply exists.

Beauty is not confined to the visible; it also encompasses the spiritual realm - a Japanese philosopher Muneyoshi Yanagi emphasised that qualities like morality, humbleness, simplicity, and naturalness are integral to cultivating true beauty. This timeless philosophy serves as the guiding principle for Kaikô in the curation process, and it's our mission to share this notion of beauty with the world.

Our Japanese Vintage Collection 

Our Japanese founder of Kaikô, Kana, selects each vintage handcrafted treasure from Japan to showcase on our platform. This carefully curated collection represents a rare opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter, a sentiment beautifully captured by our logo. Designed with utmost simplicity, our logo depicts the profound significance of connections – two stars converge somewhere in the universe's vast expanse, conveying the notion that each encounter is a miraculous event. Echoing the sentiment of the Japanese saying "Ichi-go Ichi-e" (一期一会), which translates to "one time, one meeting," we cherish every encounter, recognising that it may only occur once in a lifetime.