Lot 117 ARIMA IKEBANA FLOWER BASKET 花籠 (HANAKAGO)

A delicate Arima ikebana flower basket 花籠 (hanakago) by Kutsuwa Shôchikusai 轡昭竹斎 (active from 1967), crafted from light brown bamboo, known as ‘Madake’ 真竹.

The basket features a rounded rectangular body transcending into a high cylindrical mouth, fitted with a slender loop a handle constructed from two thin pieces of bend bamboo, bound together nicely at the top.
The intricate plaiting is mainly in a horizontal fashion with some small nice details. It comes complete with a separate black lacquered bamboo segment vase, a cylindrical container ideal for flower arrangements.

Signed at the bottom ‘Shôchikusai’ 昭竹斎.
Kutsuwa Shōchikusai 轡昭竹斉, born Kutsuwa Yutaka 轡豊, is the fourth-generation bamboo craftsman in a long family tradition. Based in Arima, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, he began crafting bamboo baskets in April 1967. His works, traditional Arima baskets 有馬籠, are known for their beautiful curves and are crafted from the resilient Madake 真竹, a bamboo renowned for its strength and flexibility.

Period: Japan – Second half 20th century (Late Shôwa period/Heisei period).

Dimensions:
Height 37 cm, Width 22 cm, Depth 18.5 cm.

In a very good original condition. Please refer to the photos for a clear condition reference. Complete with original signed and sealed wooden tomobako 供箱 (storage box).