143 - † BUSEKI SUIGETSU: A BAMBOO ‘KOKON (PAST AND PRESENT)’ TAKEKAGO (BASKET)

† BUSEKI SUIGETSU: A BAMBOO ‘KOKON (PAST AND PRESENT)’ TAKEKAGO (BASKET) By Buseki Suigetsu (1930-2013), unsigned Japan, 20 th century Of broad, circular form, woven from split susudake (smoked bamboo) in a boldly open and freely interlaced weave, the strips crossing at irregular angles to create a dynamic lattice. The thick rim is built up from multiple bundled bamboo strips, twisted and braided. WIDTH 35 cm, HEIGHT 25 cm Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear. With a wood tomobako (storage box) inscribed to the front ‘Takekago’, 竹籠, [Bamboo basket] and to the interior ‘Mei Kokon, Suigetsu saku’, 銘　古今、翠月作, [Entitled ‘Past and Present’ made by Suigetsu]. Buseki Suigetsu (1930-2013) was a Tokyo-based bamboo artist and the second-generation head of the family workshop Midoriya, established by his father, Buseki Suishin. Working in Arakawa, Tokyo, he continued the family tradition of finely woven flower baskets, overseeing the entire process from selecting and splitting the bamboo to dyeing, plaiting, and finishing. His technical mastery was formally recognized when the craft practiced at the workshop was designated an Intangible Cultural Property of Arakawa Ward during his generation. His importance within the lineage is also reflected in the training of his son, Buseki Suiko, who studied first under Suigetsu before continuing with Living National Treasure Iizuka Shokansai. Literature comparison: Compare a related bamboo hanakago by the same artist, 15 cm high, 25 x 23 cm, illustrated in Philippe Boudin (2018), The Beauty of Japanese Bamboo Art, Mingei Gallery, cat. no. 16. 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.