Large Rare Japanese Bamboo Flower Basket Hahakago by Tokosai

An oversize Japanese Ikebana hanakago basket) handwoven with bamboo and rattan by Tokōsai (a bamboo artist active in the Kansai region circa late 19th Century) in the form of Tsuri-Banaire (hanging flower basket). The global shape of the main body resembles a tsubo jar with a wide flared mouth rim. Similar shape was found in the ceramics from Yayoi period. Tight pine needle plaiting was used to construct the main body, supplemented with an alternative form of mat plaiting around the neck. The fine weave using very thin bamboo strips strikes the viewers with its meticulousness and tightness. The tall handle arches dramatically over the body and was made from two thick bamboo strips bent and joined together by five fine embroidery rattan knots. The attachment of the handle to the body was created in a nice sprayed out spider legs weave, echoing the motifs of the two large decorative elements on the facade of the body. The overall surface of the basket was lacquered in a deep pleasant reddish-brown color. The basket is signed Tokosai in Kanji on the base. It comes with the original bamboo inner container.
A very unusual piece by a lesser-known artist, scarcely seen in any collection.
For another bamboo ikebana basket, see item 2006.3.483 in the collection of Asian Art Museum in San Francisco.