Iida Seiseki – Large Hanakago Flower Basket Titled Sora no shi

Large bamboo and rattan hanakago flower basket, titled 空乃詩, Sora no shi, “Poem of the Sky.” Japan, Shōwa-Heisei period, second half of the 20th century, probably around 1980-2000. Original tomobako inscribed 花籃 on the lid, signed and sealed inside 清石作.

The form is open, almost spherical, constructed from wide, curved bamboo splints that crisscross diagonally. The very loose weaving creates a powerful interplay of voids. The base widens into a discreet hexagonal footing, allowing the basket to be placed slightly tilted. This inclination highlights the handle, treated as a large, free knot, tied within the material.

Iida Seiseki 飯田清石 (1929-2014), a bamboo artist born in Tochigi, studied under Iizuka Rōkansai and Iizuka Shōkansai, Living National Treasures. His work follows the Tochigi tradition, where the flower basket becomes an autonomous sculptural construction.

Piece in perfect condition, spectacular in its size, very airy design, and masterfully controlled unstable balance. With original tomobako.

Height 25 cm; side approximately 33.5 × 33.5 cm.