Flower basket by Tani Suikosai

An unusual basket made from split lengths of bamboo cut in a combed pattern and a slender natural branch handle.

Born in Ehime, Japan, Tani Suikosai studied bamboo craft in Kobe. After being discharged from the military, he remained in Kobe making bamboo baskets for export. Around Taisho 10 (1921) he moved to Beppu, Kyushu, to start his own bamboo business.

In Showa 9 (1933), his basket received a certificate of commendation from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry at the Export Crafts Exhibition (Shokoshoko Geiten). The following year his work received Honorable Mention in the same exhibition, as it did again in 1936 and 1938.

He devoted himself to the development of the bamboo craft industry in Kyushu for many years.