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Large Japanese Woven Bamboo Morikago Basket by Maeda Chikubosai I

Creator: Maeda Chikubosai I
Offered by: Tishu

Description
A large and impressive Japanese basket in the form of a morikago by Maeda Chikubosai I (1872-1950) circa first half of the 20th century. Chikubosai I was from the Kansai Region and active in Sakai, Osaka prefecture. He was instructed by Wada Waichisai I, (1851-1901).
Morikago is a shallow open basket with handle. It was traditionally used to display fruits, sometimes flowers, during Sencha tea ceremony. In contrast to Chanoyu, Sencha ceremony uses loose green tea leaves instead of tea powder. The placement of loose fruits in the basket meant that the pattern of the bottom, which is often elaborate, was meant to be visible.
This morikago was beautifully constructed with bent bamboo frame and twill plaits for the body. The bottom of the basket features a double diamond pattern achieved with a variation of plover plait. The bifurcated handles was bundle-plated with a rather free spirit approach. They show a poetic suggestion of movement, as if the bamboos were still swaying in the wind. The basket has a copper insert that fits perfectly and it is quite possibly the original. The basket is signed on the base "Chikubosai". The style of the signature shows that it was made by Maeda Chikubosai I.
For another Morikago basket by Maeda Chikubosai I, see page 79 of "Masters of Bamboo" by Rinne.
For the study of the signature of Chikubosai I "Baskets Master Pieces of Japanese Bamboo Art 1850-2015 page 542.

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	Japan
Period:	1920-1949
Materials:	bamboo and copper
Condition:	Good. Wonderful smoked patina overall, a couple of scattered dark mark apparently inherent to the bamboo material. Copper tray shows patina and discoloration on the base.
Creation Date:	pre 1950s
Styles / Movements:	Bespoke, Asian, Traditional
Patterns:	Asian/Oriental, Geometric, Handmade
Incollect Reference #:	463373

Dimensions

Message from Seller:

Tishu, based in Atlanta, GA, offers a diverse collection ranging from Neolithic art to 20th-century collectibles, with a focus on Mid-century design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian textiles, and Contemporary Aboriginal art. Driven by a passion for timeless beauty, the gallery is open by appointment only and offers works that span 5,000 years of history. Reach them at 305-400-0561 or tishu@tishugallery.com.