138 - † MAEDA CHIKUBOSAI II (DESIGNATED LIVING NATIONAL TREASURE): A FINE GOURD-SHAPED BAMBOO AND RATTAN HANAKAGO (FLOWER BASKET)

† MAEDA CHIKUBOSAI II (DESIGNATED LIVING NATIONAL TREASURE): A FINE GOURD-SHAPED BAMBOO AND RATTAN HANAKAGO (FLOWER BASKET) By Maeda Chikubosai II (1917-2003), signed Chikubosai zo Japan, c. 1960-1990 Of tall, ovoid form, the body gently broadening toward the lower section and tapering to a short narrow neck, finely woven from split bamboo and rattan and finished in a rich reddish-brown lacquer. The surface is worked in exceptionally fine senjo-ami (thousand-line plaiting), with closely spaced horizontal elements woven over vertical ribs. The upper body is encircled by an openwork band of angular folded bamboo framed by narrow braided courses, while the short circular mouth is neatly finished with a thick, tightly bound rattan rim. Signed CHIKUBOSAI zo [made by Chikubosai]. With an otoshi (water container). WIDTH 16 cm, HEIGHT 22 cm Condition: Excellent condition. Minor expected wear. With a wood tomobako (storage box) inscribed Kohyo hanakago Chikubosai saku with seal, 小瓢、花籃、竹房斎作 竹房斎, [A bamboo basket in a small gourd-shape, made by Chikubosai]. Maeda Chikubosai II (1917-2003) was born in Sakai City, Osaka, and trained in the workshop of his father, Maeda Chikubosai I. He became an independent artist in 1941 and succeeded to the Chikubosai name after his father’s death. Renowned for his mastery of traditional techniques and refined modern forms, he was designated a Living National Treasure (Important Intangible Cultural Property holder) in 1995. His work is characterized by a careful balance between structural precision and subtle elegance, emphasizing clarity of form, refined proportions, and the expressive potential of bamboo as a sculptural medium. The present basket exemplifies these qualities through its harmonious proportions, restrained openwork, and richly lacquered surface. Auction comparison: Compare a related bamboo hanakago (flower basket) by the same artist, titled Sunlight, with a different openwork construction, dated c. 1960-1990, 33.5 cm high, at Bonhams, Tradition Travel Transition, 4 November 2021, London, lot 62 (sold for GBP 2,805 or approx. EUR 4,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). Compare also a cylindrical bamboo hanakago (flower basket) by the same artist, 30 cm high, at Christie’s, Japanese and Korean Art, 23 March 2000, New York, lot 143 (sold for USD 3,220 or approx. EUR 5,500 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.