Bidspirit auction | AN EXTRAORDINARY CHIKUUNSAI I HANAKAGO,

AN EXTRAORDINARY CHIKUUNSAI I HANAKAGO, ADAIR ESTATE - A small but powerful example replete with numerous unusual qualities characterized by its structural use of whole hollow bamboo culms for the base frame, rim reinforcement, handle and corner feet, plus numerous construction innovations. Rather than splitting or shaving down every piece of bamboo, the artisan used intact, unsplit hollow bamboo shafts for the foundational frame. The horizontal bars forming the square base frame and the structural anchors along the rim are actual hollow bamboo culms with exposed cut ends/bores. The four corner feet are the cut ends of whole bamboo shafts, leaving the hollow central canal clearly visible on the underside. The body is woven in a coarse openwork hexagonal lattice ringed in wide split bamboo on the lower portion and doubled splints upper area, and supported at the four corners by dark vertical stays. Uniquely, the artisan has incorporated whole, unsplit hollow bamboo culms into the structural framework, forming the lower square base bar which is pierced by small laces through the hollow stock, rim anchors, and four corner feet all with exposed hollow bores. The heavy upper rim is wrapped in a rope-twisted bundle and accented by various attractive wraps and twinings, The natural, hollow, mountain-form handle is a study in the beauty of asymmetry with one side flaring from its natural wishbone twig joining the rim while the opposite side descends as a single hollow clum post accented by a decorative, rattan-laced U-shape bracket. The elaborate work is finished in a rich, dark molasses-brown lacquer and comes complete with dark-stained bamboo water liner original paulownia wood tomobako inscribed with poetic title. Measures 13 x 9.5 inches in diameter. Without proof of exemption, be aware that internet sales tax applies to all Internet transactions and local sales tax may apply to local pick-up transactions. We happily provide seamless in-house packing and shipping services on nearly everything we sell. Until further notice, we cannot offer international shipping in-house. Dimensions Measures 13 x 9.5 inches in diameter. Condition Very good condition. There are no chips, breaks, repairs, losses or areas of heavy wear. Provenance The estate of John Adair Jr. (1942-2025), founder and proprietor of Kurofune Antiques in Tokyo (est. 1978), a world-renowned destination for Japanese basketry, prints and furniture featured in The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Wall Street Journal.