It was listed by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Antique Bamboo Morikago Basket to the 1910s.
The bottom of the basket features a double diamond pattern achieved with a variation of plover plait. The bifurcated handles were bundle-plated with a rather free spirit approach and show a poetic suggestion of movement, as if the bamboos were still swaying in the wind. The basket comes with its original copper insert. Surprisingly unsigned but clearly by a master craftsman. Measures 38 x 33cm, bowl height is 12cm (40cm to top of handle).
A morikago is a shallow open basket with a handle and was traditionally used to display fruits, sometimes flowers, during the Sencha tea ceremony. In contrast to Chanoyu, the Sencha ceremony uses loose green tea leaves instead of tea powder. The placement of loose fruits in the basket meant that the pattern of the bottom, which is often elaborate, was meant to be visible.
Lovely condition and patina. A masterpiece.
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Antique Bamboo Morikago Basket to the 1910s.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art Profile Page
Large Antique (Early 20thc) Japanese Bamboo Fruit Basket (Morikago) with Copper Insert
