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A very unusual musozutsu-style pipe case: some of the five techniques used in the construction of its seven sections are more familiar to basketry than pipe cases. Bamboo is a material embedded in Japanese daily life and culture, and it’s also one of the most versatile materials used in Japanese art.
From the bottom upwards, the first section features a tight vertical weave followed by long, vertical strips that have been lightly smoked. Then follows a very unusual weave constructed of horizontal thin strands with dark V-shape sections woven into them. Dark, vertical, long-lacquered strips complete the bottom section and start the top of the pipe case, followed by my favourite section, where six strands meet in the centre to form a tight circular knot, something I’ve never seen on a pipe case, being more commonly used to decorate baskets. The top ends as the bottom began, with a tight vertical weave. This pipe case never made its way to a lacquer artist’s hands for further decoration; it’s a piece that was created to show off the brilliance of the anonymous bamboo artist’s skill.
Circa 1870
Unsigned
22cm long
2.3cm wide
1.8cm deep
If you are interested in purchasing this netsuke you can contact me via the details below.
Phone or Whatsapp: +447534 423 803
Email: robert@willford-ja.co.uk
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