Lot 121 IKEBANA BASKET BY SUEMURA SHÔBUN 末村笙文

A very refined ikebana flower basket 花籠 (hanakago) by Nitten artist Suemura Shôbun 末村笙文 (1917-2000), crafted from dark brown susutake 煤竹 (‘smoked bamboo’).

The basket features a baluster-shaped body with a large loop handle. The neck is elegantly plaited in an open construction, while the body is tightly woven with thin horizontal lines, creating a beautiful contrast. The handle, made from a thin piece of bamboo, is bent into a loop and adorned with a tightly plaited decoration on top.

The underside is signed ‘Shôbun’ 笙文.

Suemura Shôbun, born Bunzo in Osaka in 1917, was a highly skilled bamboo artist. In 1936, he began his training in bamboo weaving and basketry techniques under the master Yamamoto Chikuryûsai I 初代山本竹龍斎 (1868–1950). Suemura became independent in 1941, adopting the name Shôbun—‘Shô’ 松 in homage to his teacher’s studio, Shôen, and ‘Bun’ 文 from his given name. His work was first accepted into the prestigious Nitten exhibition 日展 in 1951, and he exhibited there a total of thirty-six times. Suemura also participated in the Japanese Contemporary Art and Crafts exhibitions 日本現代工芸美術展 from 1962 onwards. In recognition of his contributions to bamboo art, he received the Oita Prefectural Award in 1973 and the Shin-Kôgei Exhibition Members’ Award in 1981. His works are part of collections in the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.

Period: Japan –Shôwa period (1926-1989).

Approx. dimensions:
Height 48.5 cm, Diameter 25.5 cm.

In a very good original condition. Please have a look at the photos for a condition reference.