Morikago or tray basket for the display of seasonal fruit and leaves in an irregular rectangular form, woven of split and smoked, purple bamboo, the arcing handle of branch bamboo. Signed on the reverse with an incised signature by the artist: Kochikusai Kore o Tsukuru or Made by Kochikusai (Yamashita Kochikusai, 1876 – 1947). Taisho – early Showa era, circa 1920 – 1930.

With the tomobako or original box, inscribed on the exterior of the lid: Hobi-chiku, Fuji-san Tetsuki Morikago or Beautiful Phoenix Bamboo, Mount Fuji (Form) Handled Tray Basket; and on the reverse of the lid signed by the artist: Kochikusai Kore o Tsukuru or Made by Kochikusai, and sealed.

Yamashita Kochikusai was an Osaka artist. He apprenticed under Wada Waichisai I, becoming independent in 1901. He won prizes for his work at numbers of exhibitions and was patronized by the Imperial Household.

For an interesting comparison with a morikago by Waichisai II, c.f. Japanese Bamboo Baskets: Masterworks of Form & Texture, number 115.

Kochikusai creates a container of rich color and texture here. Employing an abstract version of hemp leaf pattern (asa-no-ha) across the bottom of the tray, he varies the lengths across which bamboo sections jump over others, lending emphasis in particular to diagonals. The effect is almost like splashing water. In contrast the massive handle arcs over the surface, tied to the rims with strong rows of insect wrapping (mushi-maki) and complex cross knots (juji-musubi). The rippling irregularity of the rim, bound in diagonal simple wrapping (bo-maki) complements and echoes the water-like movement of the tray’s surface.