Gourd-shaped Flower Basket (Hyōtangata hanakago)
The sophisticated double gourd shape of this flower basket mimics a form found in many Chinese and Japanese ceramics, and its surface is ornamented with the character “kotobuki” 壽, meaning “long life.” Katō Tōshōsai (active early twentieth century), a lesser-known bamboo artisan of the Kansai region, maintained a workshop in Tsu City, the capital of Mie Prefecture. Although we know little about his life, his karamono-style works are of the highest quality, including a basket previously owned by the Imperial Household and now in the collection of the Museum of the Imperial Collections, Tokyo.
Artwork Details
- 加藤藤昇斎造 瓢箪形花籃
- Title: Gourd-shaped Flower Basket (Hyōtangata hanakago)
- Artist: Katō Tōshōsai (Japanese, active early 20th century)
- Period: Shōwa period (1926–89)
- Date: ca. 1920–30s
- Culture: Japan
- Medium: Timber bamboo, rattan
- Dimensions: H. approx. 17 in. (43.2 cm)
- Classification: Bamboo
- Credit Line: Gift of Diane Abbey, 2019
- Object Number: 2019.425.21a, b
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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