Japanese Baskets
During the 18th century, a shift back to the admiration for things Chinese catalyzed by a preference among the Japanese literati and merchant class for the Chinese style sentcha, or steeped green-leaf tea ceremony (vs. the matcha, or powdered green tea associated with chanoyu) led to a new demand for Chinese-style flower baskets. These baskets served as inspiration for many modern Japanese basket makers who, beginning in the Meiji period (1868-1912), gradually transformed traditional ikebana baskets from utilitarian containers into sculptural masterpieces crafted in a variety of shapes, weaves and knots.
Nakatomi Hajime (b. 1974) Prism Kurochiku and rattan Technique: Kumimono 23 x 7 x 23 in. high, with mount 24 in. high Executed in 2008
Kosuge Hounsai Kogetsu (b. 1932) Line Construction Flower Basket Showa Period (after 1945) Madake, nemagari, and rattan Technique: Kumi 7 x 5 1/2 x 21 in. high
Abe Motoshi/Kiraku (b. 1942) Ocean Current Madake and rattan Technique: Nawame 12 1/2 in. diameter x 8 in. high Executed in 2005
Yamaguchi Ryuun (b. 1940) Mutsume Basket Madake and rattan Technique: Mutsume-gasane 18 1/2 in. diameter x 4 in. high Executed in 2009
Honma Kazuaki (b. 1930) Origin V Madake, torachiku, shakotan and rattan Technique: Tateajiro-ami and mage 13 x 5 x 17 in. high Executed in 2001
Hatakeyama Seido (b. 1930) Flower Basket Madake and rattan Technique: Masawari-ajiro and tabane-ami 13 1/2 in. diameter and 8 in. high Executed in 2006
Nagakura Kenichi (b. 1952) Worn Madake, rattan and driftwood Technique: Hira-ami 13 x 8 x 15 1/2 in. high Executed in 2007 Awards: 2000 Costen Prize winner
Ueno Masao (b. 1949) Apricot Blossom Madake Technique: Kumimono 17 x 5 x 15 1/2 in. high Executed in 2007
Fujinuma Noboru (b. 1945) Spring Tide Nemagari and rattan Technique: Ara-ami and makibuchi 22 in. diameter a 11 1/2 in. high Executed in 2003 Exhibited: 2005 Naples, Florida, Weavers of Wonder, Naples Museum of Art
Katsushiro Soho (b. 1934) Sunlight Streaming Through Trees Shinodake Technique: Shinohiranobashi, and mutsume-zoko kumimono 15 1/2 x 15 x 16 in. high Executed in 2006 Awards: Living National Treasure of Japan
45188 Portola Avenue Palm Desert, CA 92260 760-346-8926 PO Box 3580 172 Center Street Suite 101 Jackson, WY 83001 307-200-6090 www.heatherjames.com