Reminiscent of ancient bronze vessels, it has an elegant, tall and removable trapezoidal handle sculpted with geometric wrapping. The flared skirt and neck are woven closely with thin strips of sooted bamboo, elaborate wraps and knots- unique knots in the form of shrimp bordering the lower four sides at the base.

Original kiriwood tomobako signed, "Made by Chikuyuusai I, karamono utsushi with handle, Tokugawa Family".

Flying Cranes Antiques, Ltd.

Exhibitors at The International Asian Art Fair, booth A8, March 23-28, Park Ave. Armory, NYC.

Concurrent with this exhibition at the Armory, Flying Cranes will mount a separate exhibition at their gallery #58 entitled "The Japanese Ikebana Basket: Consummate Artistry in Bamboo" March 19-May 31.