Iida Seiseki (1929-2014) Hanakago Flower Bamboo Basket, Poem of the Sky

Iida Seiseki ?(1929-2014)
Large hanakago flower basket in bamboo, titled Sora no shi, “Poem of the Sky”. Japan, Shwa-Heisei period, second half of the 20th century, probably circa 1980-2000. Original tomobako inscribed on the lid, signed and sealed inside.

The basket has a broad, open, almost spherical form, built from wide curved bamboo strips crossing in free diagonals. The loose plaiting gives the work a powerful sense of space and suspended movement. The base opens into a discreet hexagonal support, allowing the basket to rest at a slight angle. This inclination gives full presence to the handle, treated as a large free knot in the material rather than as a decorative addition. The rim is strongly bound; the whole structure remains tense, generous and architectural. The black otoshi accompanies the work.

Born in Tochigi, Iida Seiseki studied with Iizuka R?kansai and Iizuka Sh?kansai, a Living National Treasure. His work belongs to the Tochigi lineage of modern bamboo art, where the hanakago moved beyond function towards sculptural autonomy. Documented works and exhibitions include Flower Basket “Hisago” at Wakayama Farm; ??????? ??, Koko, 1993, Tochigi Prefectural Museum of Fine Arts, 1959, Tochigi City Art Museum, shown at the 4th Shin-Nitten; ?? , Koto, 2002, Tochigi City Art Museum, exhibited in the museum’s inaugural exhibition in 2023; and a Kakehana shown at Hanabako, Tokyo, in 2019.

Perfect condition. Spectacular scale, highly open design and original tomobako. Height 25 cm; approximately 33.5 × 33.5 cm.