*SHIPPING OPTIONS VARY DEPENDING ON THE DESTINATION, PLEASE SCROLL TO THE END OF THIS LISTING FOR MORE DETAILS.

This listing is for a vintage basket made around 50-60 years ago by master bamboo artist, Maeno Koyo.  This beautifully crafted piece was inspired by traditional 'karui' backpack-style work baskets found in rural Japan.  It is made of thin strips of lacquered bamboo with a rich, warm patina.  The intricate weaving showcases Maeno’s craftsmanship, with each strip carefully interlaced to form a sturdy yet lightweight body. There are two handles on the back reminiscent of the practical baskets once used by farmers and artisans, and a lacquered bamboo insert on the interior for holding flowers.  Maeno’s signature can be found on the bottom, very sorry but no box for this one.

Maeno Koyo (1913-1983) was a bamboo master artist from Oita Prefecture in Kyushu.  From 1975 he was considered to be one of the three most influential bamboo artists alongside Kadota Niko (1907-1994) and Ichihara Kaunsai (1916-1995).  Maeno, Kadota and Ichihara were the last generation to have been brought up under the prewar apprenticeship system.  At that time, the town of Beppu in Oita Prefecture had a flourishing bamboo craft industry,  with items ranging from everyday utensils to intricate works of art.  Maeno’s work was no exception, he produced utilitarian vessels as well as major artistic creations using nearly thread-like strips of bamboo.  He became widely known for his superb technical ability as well as his ability to work quickly.  **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

Sizes

Basket:  H.19.6cm (7.7”) x 18.5cm (7.2”) across x 19cm (7.4”) from back to front

Bamboo Insert:  H.15cm (5.9”) x Dia.10.2cm (4”)

Condition

The basket is in very good condition aside from some discolouration on the interior, as well as some dust residue.  The lacquer is worn on the interior of the insert at the base, as well as the bottom part of the exterior.

THESE ARE SHIPPING ESTIMATES BASED ON THE CURRENT GLOBAL SITUATION                                                                 

**Germany, France, Greece, Spain, Poland, Austria, Slovakia, Lithuania, Slovenia:  NO SHIPPING.  Very strict and expensive packaging laws in place and we are not licensed to send products to these countries.  We have no plan to register at this time because the process is in some cases very expensive and complicated, plus each country has its own set of regulations and application process. 

**USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway: Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-28 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).

**Asia:  Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-21 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).

**Central Asia, Middle East, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico:  EMS Express 10-15 days.

**Russia:  No shipping methods available.