141 - † TORII IPPO: A BAMBOO HANAKAGO (FLOWER BASKET)

† TORII IPPO: A BAMBOO HANAKAGO (FLOWER BASKET) By Torii Ippo (1930-2011), signed Ippo Japan, 1960-1980, Showa period (1926-1989) Of compressed baluster form, the body gently broadening toward the lower section and tapering to a circular mouth, finely woven from bamboo in tightly controlled yotsume-ami (cross plaiting). The short neck is worked in open vertical plaiting, while the circular mouth and foot are neatly reinforced with bound bamboo. Surmounted by a tall handle, formed from paired bamboo culms. Signed underneath IPPO. With a bamboo and metal otoshi (water container). WIDTH 22 cm, HEIGHT 34.1 cm Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear. Torii Ippo (1930-2011) was a major postwar Japanese bamboo artist from Aichi Prefecture and the son of bamboo craftsman Torii Hounsai. He began working in bamboo in 1951, initially teaching himself by copying his father’s baskets, and a 1959 encounter with an eighth-century Shosoin basket proved decisive in confirming his vocation. From 1980 onward he increasingly moved beyond traditional basketry toward bold sculptural compositions, becoming particularly known for dynamic “band” constructions in bamboo. In 2006 he received the prestigious Tokusen Prize at Nitten. His works are held in major collections including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, de Young Museum, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, Nishio City Museum, and the Mint Museum. Auction comparison: Compare a related bamboo hanakago (flower basket) by the same artist, signed Ippo, dated c. 1960-1980, 31.7 cm high, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese and Korean Art, 17 March 2021, New York, lot 564 (sold for USD 2,040 or approx. EUR 2,300 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.