Sweets Tray (T-3336)

Susudake bamboo; hexagonal weave, wrapping
Signed on the edge of the base: Shōkansai

Comes with a fitted wood tomobako box inscribed outside "Bamboo sweets tray"; signed inside "Made by Shōkansai"; seal: Shōkansai

The son of Iizuka Rōkansai, Shōkansai graduated from the Tokyo School of Fine Arts in 1942 with a degree in oil painting but after the early death of his older brother in 1943, it was decided that he would follow in the Iizuka family tradition. He received intensive training from his father and was a quick learner, presenting his work at the Nitten national fine arts exhibition in 1947, and earning his deceased brother’s art name of Shōkansai in 1949. After a period of experimentation, including the use of other materials such as acrylic and metal, Shōkansai came to the conclusion that it was impossible to deny the “craft” nature of bamboo, and from 1974 displayed his work at the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition. Like Rōkansai, he excelled in a wide range of styles and techniques and although he was capable of working in the most meticulous, formal styles, he is perhaps most admired for his masterly exploration of the sō (informal) mode of plaiting. He was named a Living National Treasure in 1982.