A Small Mountain Grape Bark Pouch: Pocket-Sized
early to mid twentieth century
7" x 3 1/2" x 1 1/8", 17.75 cm x 9 cm x 2.75 cm
This beautifully compact small woven vessel was woven from wild mountain grape bark fiber. Its form is relatively flat, or pouch-like and the top edge is unfinished.
On one of its two side is some bast cording that may have secured this small basket to someone's belt: although its specific function is unknown baskets of this side which are rigged with a slotted wooden top were used as axe blade covers: perhaps this, too, was such an object but some of the parts have disappeared over time?
This is a really beautiful, little piece of old Japan, and one that must hold fascinating stories of a life in a different era, rich in details of the life whomever used this basket in his or her daily life.
A gorgeous artifact made of a beautiful, natural fiber.
Recommended.