Basket for Transporting Sencha Tea-Ceremony Utensils (Chakago or Teiran) 1872 - 1882

This woven bamboo basket, known as a "chagako" or "teiran," was crafted by Hayakawa Shōkosai I between 1872 and 1882. Designed to carry utensils for the Japanese tea ceremony, its intricate woven pattern and sturdy construction demonstrate the skill of the artist, who was renowned for his masterful basket-making. The basket's practicality and elegant form showcase the Japanese aesthetic appreciation for everyday objects. This example, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, highlights the artistry and cultural significance of traditional Japanese crafts.