140 - † FUJINUMA NOBORU (DESIGNATED LIVING NATIONAL TREASURE): A FINE BAMBOO ‘GASSHO (PRAYER)’ HANAKAGO (FLOWER BASKET)

† FUJINUMA NOBORU (DESIGNATED LIVING NATIONAL TREASURE): A FINE BAMBOO ‘GASSHO (PRAYER)’ HANAKAGO (FLOWER BASKET) By Fujinuma Noboru (b. 1945), signed Noboru Japan, 2008, Heisei period (1989-2019) Of tall, ovoid form, gently broadening toward the lower body and tapering to a narrow circular mouth, masterfully woven from split susudake (smoked bamboo) in sukashi-ami (openwork weave). The narrow strips are interlaced in alternating diagonal directions to create a dynamic herringbone and chevron pattern, the weave gradually opening and loosening toward the lower body. The rim and foot are meticulously bound with fine rattan strips. Surmounted by a tall, arched handle formed from paired bamboo strips, finely split and bound, their converging form recalling hands joined in prayer and echoing the title Gassho (Prayer). Signed underneath NOBORU. With an otoshi (water container). WIDTH 16.5 cm, HEIGHT 50 cm Condition: Excellent condition. With a wood tomobako (storage box) inscribed Gassho, Hanakago, Heisei nijunen, Noboru saku, 合掌、花籃、平成二0年、昇作 [Prayer, flower basket, the 20th year of Heisei (2008), made by Noboru], with seal Noboru, 昇. Fujinuma Noboru (b. 1945) was born in Otawara, Tochigi Prefecture. After working for Nikon, he began an apprenticeship with bamboo artist Yagisawa Keizo in 1976. His work was accepted at the Japan Traditional Craft Arts Exhibition, Eastern Division, the following year, and he was designated a Living National Treasure in 2012. His practice combines precise traditional techniques with the expressive possibilities of ara-ami, or free-style plaiting, and encompasses every stage from selecting and preparing the bamboo to the final lacquer finish. Museum comparison: Compare a related bamboo hanakago (flower basket) by the same artist, also titled Gassho (Palms Pressed Together in Prayer), dated 2003, 27.9 cm high, at the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Cornell University, object number 2012.015.031. For a different form within the artist’s work, compare Peerless Fruit or Offering Tray (Morikago), dated 2012, 21.6 cm high, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, object number 2019.425.2. Auction comparison: Compare a related bamboo hanakago (flower basket) by the same artist, signed Heisei shichi nen haru, Noboru saku and sealed Noboru, dated 1995, 29.3 cm high, at Christie’s, The Collection of Victoria, Lady de Rothschild, 9 December 2021, London, lot 150 (sold for GBP 11,250 or approx. EUR 17,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.