Tsubotsubo Bamboo Basket Flower Container - Hounsai Style - Bamboo - 玄斎 Gensai - Japan - 1900-2000
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Selected by Surya Rutten
Has over 25 years' experience in Asian art and owned an art gallery.
Estimate € 300 - € 380
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Description from the seller
Item Description:
This is a "Tsubotsubo" bamboo basket flower container created by bamboo artist Gensai, fashioned after a design favored by Hounsai Soshitsu, the 15th generation Grand Master of the Urasenke school of tea ceremony.
The basket measures 19.5 cm in height with dimensions of 21.0 x 7.0 cm, and includes a liner (otoshi) measuring 19.0 cm in height and 3.5 cm in width.
The "Tsubotsubo" design is characterized by its distinctive bulbous form, evoking the shape of small pots or gourds arranged in sequence.
This playful yet refined design embodies the aesthetic sensibility of Urasenke tea ceremony, balancing formality with creative expression.
The basket has been meticulously woven throughout, demonstrating the artist's dedication to traditional bamboo weaving techniques.
Hounsai Soshitsu (1923-2025), whose favored design this basket interprets, served as the 15th generation head of Urasenke from 1964 to 2002.
A tea master of extraordinary influence, he dedicated his life to spreading tea culture globally under the philosophy "Peace through a Bowl of Tea" (Ichinomoto kara Peacefulness).
His wartime experience as a naval officer and kamikaze pilot who survived the war's end deeply informed his lifelong commitment to promoting peace through cultural exchange.
Hounsai's aesthetic preferences, known as "konomi" (favored items), reflected both classical tea tradition and contemporary sensibility.
He commissioned numerous tea implements and favored bold, generous designs that maintained traditional elegance while embracing modern expression.
Works created in the style he favored, designated as "utsushi" (interpretations), represent collaborative efforts between tea masters and craftspeople to realize specific aesthetic visions.
The basket displays some bamboo splitting (visible in the circled area in the photographs), consistent with age and use.
Despite these condition issues, the piece retains its structural integrity and continues to function as intended for ikebana flower arrangement in tea ceremony.
It comes with its original signed wooden box.
The inclusion of the liner (otoshi) is essential for practical use, preventing water damage to the bamboo while allowing fresh flowers to be displayed.
This functional consideration exemplifies the tea ceremony principle of harmonizing aesthetic beauty with practical utility.
Size
Basket: Height 19.5 cm / Width 21.0 x 7.0 cm
Liner: Height 19.0 cm / Width 3.5 cm
Condition
Good condition with minor age-related wear. Bamboo splitting visible in one area (see circled section in photographs). Original wooden box included, though the lid is warped and slightly difficult to insert/remove.
Artist Profile
While specific biographical information about bamboo artist Gensai is limited, this work demonstrates accomplished technique in traditional Japanese bamboo weaving. The piece represents a "konomi-utsushi" (favored design interpretation) of Hounsai Soshitsu, indicating the artist worked within the esteemed tradition of creating tea implements according to tea master specifications.
Hounsai Soshitsu (1923-2025), whose design preference this basket interprets, served as the 15th generation Grand Master of Urasenke tea ceremony school. Born as the eldest son of the 14th generation master, he experienced the Pacific War as a naval officer and kamikaze pilot, surviving only because the war ended before his final mission. This profound experience shaped his lifelong dedication to promoting world peace through tea culture.
After graduating from Doshisha University and completing Zen training under Daitokuji temple's abbot, Hounsai assumed leadership of Urasenke in 1964. He revolutionized tea culture by actively promoting it internationally, establishing Urasenke chapters worldwide and advocating his philosophy "Peace through a Bowl of Tea." His efforts earned him numerous honors including the Order of Culture (1997) and recognition as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.
Hounsai's aesthetic preferences combined respect for classical tea tradition with appreciation for bold, contemporary expression. His favored designs (konomi) maintained the essential spirit of wabi-sabi while embracing generous, confident forms. He commissioned works from accomplished craftspeople across various media—ceramics, bamboo, lacquer, and metalwork—creating a distinctive body of tea implements that reflect his personal aesthetic vision.
Works created as interpretations of his favored designs, like this bamboo basket, represent collaborative artistic efforts between tea masters and craftspeople. These pieces embody not merely functional tea implements but artistic expressions of tea ceremony philosophy, carrying forward Hounsai's vision of tea culture as a vehicle for beauty, hospitality, and peaceful human connection.
NOITICE:
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.
I appreciate your cooperation.
Seller's Story
We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods.
Owner Profile
Name: Michito Nagahiro
Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life.
In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date.
In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support.
Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.
Item Description:
This is a "Tsubotsubo" bamboo basket flower container created by bamboo artist Gensai, fashioned after a design favored by Hounsai Soshitsu, the 15th generation Grand Master of the Urasenke school of tea ceremony.
The basket measures 19.5 cm in height with dimensions of 21.0 x 7.0 cm, and includes a liner (otoshi) measuring 19.0 cm in height and 3.5 cm in width.
The "Tsubotsubo" design is characterized by its distinctive bulbous form, evoking the shape of small pots or gourds arranged in sequence.
This playful yet refined design embodies the aesthetic sensibility of Urasenke tea ceremony, balancing formality with creative expression.
The basket has been meticulously woven throughout, demonstrating the artist's dedication to traditional bamboo weaving techniques.
Hounsai Soshitsu (1923-2025), whose favored design this basket interprets, served as the 15th generation head of Urasenke from 1964 to 2002.
A tea master of extraordinary influence, he dedicated his life to spreading tea culture globally under the philosophy "Peace through a Bowl of Tea" (Ichinomoto kara Peacefulness).
His wartime experience as a naval officer and kamikaze pilot who survived the war's end deeply informed his lifelong commitment to promoting peace through cultural exchange.
Hounsai's aesthetic preferences, known as "konomi" (favored items), reflected both classical tea tradition and contemporary sensibility.
He commissioned numerous tea implements and favored bold, generous designs that maintained traditional elegance while embracing modern expression.
Works created in the style he favored, designated as "utsushi" (interpretations), represent collaborative efforts between tea masters and craftspeople to realize specific aesthetic visions.
The basket displays some bamboo splitting (visible in the circled area in the photographs), consistent with age and use.
Despite these condition issues, the piece retains its structural integrity and continues to function as intended for ikebana flower arrangement in tea ceremony.
It comes with its original signed wooden box.
The inclusion of the liner (otoshi) is essential for practical use, preventing water damage to the bamboo while allowing fresh flowers to be displayed.
This functional consideration exemplifies the tea ceremony principle of harmonizing aesthetic beauty with practical utility.
Size
Basket: Height 19.5 cm / Width 21.0 x 7.0 cm
Liner: Height 19.0 cm / Width 3.5 cm
Condition
Good condition with minor age-related wear. Bamboo splitting visible in one area (see circled section in photographs). Original wooden box included, though the lid is warped and slightly difficult to insert/remove.
Artist Profile
While specific biographical information about bamboo artist Gensai is limited, this work demonstrates accomplished technique in traditional Japanese bamboo weaving. The piece represents a "konomi-utsushi" (favored design interpretation) of Hounsai Soshitsu, indicating the artist worked within the esteemed tradition of creating tea implements according to tea master specifications.
Hounsai Soshitsu (1923-2025), whose design preference this basket interprets, served as the 15th generation Grand Master of Urasenke tea ceremony school. Born as the eldest son of the 14th generation master, he experienced the Pacific War as a naval officer and kamikaze pilot, surviving only because the war ended before his final mission. This profound experience shaped his lifelong dedication to promoting world peace through tea culture.
After graduating from Doshisha University and completing Zen training under Daitokuji temple's abbot, Hounsai assumed leadership of Urasenke in 1964. He revolutionized tea culture by actively promoting it internationally, establishing Urasenke chapters worldwide and advocating his philosophy "Peace through a Bowl of Tea." His efforts earned him numerous honors including the Order of Culture (1997) and recognition as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.
Hounsai's aesthetic preferences combined respect for classical tea tradition with appreciation for bold, contemporary expression. His favored designs (konomi) maintained the essential spirit of wabi-sabi while embracing generous, confident forms. He commissioned works from accomplished craftspeople across various media—ceramics, bamboo, lacquer, and metalwork—creating a distinctive body of tea implements that reflect his personal aesthetic vision.
Works created as interpretations of his favored designs, like this bamboo basket, represent collaborative artistic efforts between tea masters and craftspeople. These pieces embody not merely functional tea implements but artistic expressions of tea ceremony philosophy, carrying forward Hounsai's vision of tea culture as a vehicle for beauty, hospitality, and peaceful human connection.
NOITICE:
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.
I appreciate your cooperation.
Seller's Story
We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods.
Owner Profile
Name: Michito Nagahiro
Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life.
In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date.
In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support.
Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.
Details
Dynastic Style/Period
1900-2000
Artist
玄斎 Gensai
Country of Origin
Japan
Material
Bamboo
Height
19.5 cm
Width
21 cm
Title of artwork
Tsubotsubo Bamboo Basket Flower Container - Hounsai Style
Depth
7 cm
Condition
Good condition
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