Bidspirit auction | AN ARTIST-SIGNED JAPANESE FLOWER BASKET,

AN ARTIST-SIGNED JAPANESE FLOWER BASKET, ADAIR ESTATE - The tall four-sided cylindrical body is executed in precise diagonal twill plaiting framed by braided vertical rattan corner stays. Just below the mouth, the weave opens into an airy collar of looping bamboo ringlets. The mouth is crowned by a handle of arching bamboo branch wrapped in places by a tight herringbone braid along with braided wishbone base mounts and decorated at the apex with a series of raised, intricately woven spiral butterfly rosette knots. The entire basket is finished in a rich, dark chestnut-brown lacquer. The base of hand bent stock is laced through the thick stock by fine knotting. The work has an unidentified signature engraved underside of the base. The original bamboo water tube and tomobako are included. Measures 16.5 x 8 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 16.5 x 8 inches in diameter. Condition Very good condition, noting very minor light discoloration to the plaiting near the corner buttresses, residue visible in the images of the base. 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.