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Early Japanese Hand Basket with Brocade Interior by Suzuki Gengensai

Creator: Suzuki Gengensai
Offered by: Tishu

Description
This small elegant woven bamboo basket was meant to be a hand-hold bag with its brocade interior (which appears original). It was made by Suzuki Gengensai (1891-1950) circa 1910-20s. Suzuki Gengensai was from Kansai region and active in Osaka. He studied bamboo art under Yamashita Kochikusai (1876-1947) and became an independent artist in 1913. He received his artist name Gengensai in 1914 and in 1923 he changed the characters to Gen, a slight written variation of the character. This basket was signed in the former way, which helps to date the piece to the early part of the artist's career circa 1914-1923.
The basket is tightly woven in variation of twill plating that creates contrasting bands on the surface. The base was constructed with short bamboo stripes on the corners and side with ornamental knots.
A closely related piece (Object Number: 2006.3.651) with slight different surface twill patterns is in the collection of Asian Art Museum San Francisco. Comparing the two, they show almost identical form as well as the base construction. Both also have brocade interior and most likely were woven during the same period.
Another documented example can be found on page 180 in "Baskets Masterpieces of Japanese Bamboo Art 1850-2015". A utensil basket with twill plating and bears the signature of the same variation.
Provenance: Collection of Zen Art, Dr. Karl Hennig, Hamburg, Germany.

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Notes:	signed and also documented in a related example
Period:	1900-1919
Materials:	Bamboo rattan and brocade
Condition:	Good. Nice patina, minor wear along the rim, small tear on the seam of the brocade.
Creation Date:	1914-1923
Styles / Movements:	Bespoke, Asian, Traditional
Patterns:	Asian/Oriental, Geometric, Handmade
Incollect Reference #:	459628

Dimensions

W.	7.48 in;	H.	5.91 in;	D.	4.33 in;
W.	19 cm;	H.	15 cm;	D.	11 cm;

Message from Seller:

Tishu, based in Atlanta, GA, offers a diverse collection ranging from Neolithic art to 20th-century collectibles, with a focus on Mid-century design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian textiles, and Contemporary Aboriginal art. Driven by a passion for timeless beauty, the gallery is open by appointment only and offers works that span 5,000 years of history. Reach them at 305-400-0561 or tishu@tishugallery.com.