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I, and my brothers and sister, were born and raised in Japan during the 1950s and 1960s; our parents were missionaries. During that time we and our mother collected many unique Japanese antiques. My 97-year-old mother, who continued to collect antiques in Japan until my parents' retirement in 1989, is finally giving up some of her treasures.
My mother was a serious antique collector who was given access by her Japanese friends to places that a “foreigner” usually would never be allowed to visit, such as the attics of old farmhouses. She fashion was always on the lookout for one-of-a-kind pieces.
This traditional Japanese bamboo tea basket is one of them. The green tea harvested in Japan differs in taste and value from the leaves gathered in China and other areas of the world. Small family operations ran most of the farms where the best quality Japanese green tea leaves were hand-picked during harvest season. Each leaf was chosen carefully and handpicked by skilled workers. Tea-pickers slung the baskets over their shoulders and began work for the day. They often sang to bring rhythm to their monotonous task. The bamboo is generally in good condition, but there are two small places with damaged bamboo (see images).
14” wide x 11” deep x 18” tall
Product code: Rare! Vintage Japanese bamboo fashion tea basket for harvesting green tea