Japanese Woven Ikebana Hanging Basket by Suemura Shobun

A Japanese woken bamboo Hanakago, a wall hanging Ikebana basket by Suemura Shobun (1917-2000). The basket is entitled Purple Bamboo Mt. Fuji and was woven with Susudake (smoked bamboo) using irregular plaiting technique to achieve a voluminous form that resembles the iconic Mount Fuji and with the textural appearance of a bird's nest. The base was detailed with mushi-maki knotting and the mouth rim is equipped with a small loop for hanging. The surface has a lustrous lacquer coating that shows off the natural pattern of the bamboo marking. It houses a removable lacquered container made from bamboo culm. The piece is not singed, but it comes with an original fabric stroage pouch, and an original storage box (Tomobako), which is signed with the title on the esterior Mt. Fuji Purple Bamboo” and signed Suemura Shobun on the inside with two red seals.
Suemura Shobun was from Kansai region and active in Osaka. He studies under Yamamoto Chikuryosai I. Shobun is known for making unconventional baskets that are modern and sculptural.
For reference, see page 94 Master of Bamboo" Rinne.
For a recently sold basket by the artist, see lot 142 of The Collection of Victoria, Lady de Rothschild, Christie's London.