Large Japanese Bamboo Ikebana Basket by Wada Waichisai II with Signed Box

The large Ikebana flower basket with handle (Hanakago) on offer was finely woven by Wada Waichisai II (1877–1933) circa early 20th century. Wada Waichisai was a prominent Japanese master of bamboo craft and traditional flower basketry during the Meiji, Taishō, and early Shōwa period. He is the son of Wada Waichisai I, whose artist name was bestowed by the Japanese emperor. The basket has a robust form with a wide mouth and a body slightly tapered to the base. The body was constructed a variation of clematis plaiting, reinforced on the neck with twining. The weave morphed naturally on the rim and the base into twist plaiting, which echoes the style of the handle, and altogether render the basket a less formal more folky appeal. The surface of the basket is radiant with a deep reddish lacquer finish. The basket is signed on the base "Waichisai Made this" as shown.
The original box is titled in Kanji on the lid "Handled Hanakago, Name Higasgihiro". This roughly translates to "East Abundancy". Underneath the lid, it bears the signature 'Waichisai" and the red seal as well as a line that translates to "In the moody wind and rain of western Settsu". Western Settsu is the southeast of nowadays Hyogo Prefecture, an indication of the artist's studio.
By analyzing the signatures with the known example of the artist's work, as well as the inscription on the box as well as the style and patina of the piece, we comfortably attribute this basket to Wada Waichisai II.
For a basket with the identical signature, see Object Number 2006.3.747 in the collection of Asian Art Museum San Francisco.
For another full set basket by the artist with the closely related inscription on the tomobako, see figure 065 on page 168 of the book "Baskets Masterpieces of Japanese Bamboo Art 1850-2015".