Japan, Hanakago by Maeda Chikubosai i, circa 1930/40

Akira Arakawa, born in 1950 in Hamamatsu and a graduate of Kokushikan University’s Department of Architecture, has carved a unique path in Japanese ceramics. Although trained in architecture, he is a self-taught ceramic artist, renowned for his exceptional mastery of crystallized glazes. This intricate technique demands precise temperature control, reaching extreme levels of 1250°C to 1300°C to melt the glaze components thoroughly. As the temperature slowly decreases, crystals emerge, forming delicate flower or snowflake patterns on the glazed surface. By adding zinc or rutile, Arakawa can manipulate the size and shape of these crystals. This meticulous process results in captivating works like this deeply carved vase, where blue crystals stand out against earthy backgrounds, creating striking contrasts between crystallized and vitrified areas. Arakawa’s technical excellence has earned him numerous accolades, particularly in Japan’s ceramic competitions and exhibitions. Arakawa’s work has been featured in prestigious events, including multiple selections for the Nissin Noodle Bowl...

Red overlay glass snuff bottle depicting a fish, 19th century A rare translucent glass snuffbox with small bubbles in the shape of a fish, ruby red overlay decor with a fish among th...

A woven bamboo ikebana hanakago (flower basket) with handle circa first half of the 20th century (Taisho or Showa era) by Japanese bamboo master Maeda Chikubosai I (1872-1950). In th...

A large and impressive Japanese basket in the form of a morikago by Maeda Chikubosai I (1872-1950) circa first half of the 20th century. Chikubosai I was from the Kansai Region and active in Sakai, Osaka prefecture. He was instructed by Wada Waichisai I, (1851-1901). Morikago is a shallow open basket with handle. It was traditionally used to display fruits, sometimes flowers, during Sencha tea ceremony. In contrast to Chanoyu, 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. This morikago was beautifully constructed with bent bamboo frame and twill plaits for the body. The bottom of the basket features a double diamond pattern achieved with a variation of plover plait. The bifurcated handles was bundle-plated with a rather free spirit approach. They show a poetic suggestion of movement, as if the bamboos were still swaying in the wind. The basket has a copper insert that fits perfectly and it is quite possibly the original. The basket is signed on the base "Chikubosai". The style of the signature shows that it was made by Maeda Chikubosai I. For another Morikago basket by Maeda Chikubosai I, see page 79 of "Masters of Bamboo" by Rinne. For the study of the signature of Chikubosai I "Baskets Master Pieces of Japanese Bamboo Art...