Japan—iida Seiseki—large Bamboo Hanakago Flower Basket, Titled *sora No Shi*

Large flower basket hanakago made of bamboo and rattan, titled 空乃詩, Sora no shi, “Poem of the Sky.” Japan, Shōwa-Heisei period, second half of the 20th century, probably around 1980–2000. Original tomobako inscribed with 花籃 on the lid, signed and stamped on the inside with 清石作.

The form is open, almost spherical, constructed from wide, curved bamboo slats that cross diagonally. The very loose weaving creates a striking interplay of negative space. The base widens into a subtle hexagonal base, allowing the basket to be placed at a slight angle. This angle highlights the handle, treated like a large, loose knot tied directly into the material.

Iida Seiseki 飯田清石 (1929–2014), a bamboo artist born in Tochigi, studied under Iizuka Rōkansai and Iizuka Shōkansai, a Living National Treasure. His work follows in the Tochigi tradition, in which the flower basket becomes an autonomous sculptural composition.

Piece in perfect condition, spectacular for its size, its very airy design, and its masterfully controlled precarious balance. With original tomobako.

Height 25 cm; sides approximately 33.5 × 33.5 cm.