Description TAISAI: A FINE WOVEN RATTAN KISERUZUTSU WITH A LACQUERED DESIGN OF FRUITING YAKUBOJIBy Fukushima Taisai, signed Taisai 泰哉Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)The pipecase of muso-zutsu type, with a woven rattan body, the thin bamboo strips arranged vertically and immaculately woven at the top and bottom. The design is lacquered in gold and silver takamaki-e with a sprig of fruiting yabukoji (Ardisia japonica). The area which houses the central design is separated by three horizontal strips and utilizes a different technique using reddish strips of bamboo which are fixed to the body with tiny bamboo "clips". Signed within an oval, black-lacquered reserve in gold characters TAISAI. With a gold rim and cord attachment, the end of the inset with a braided section carved from wood.LENGTH 21 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: British private collection.The artist is assumed to be a pupil of Ikeda Taishin (1825-1903), who was the leading pupil of Shibata Zeshin (1807-1891).Auction comparison:For a closely related kiseruzutsu by the artist, note the similar execution of the lacquered leaves, see Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part II, 10 May 2011, London, lot 152 (sold for 3,360 GBP). For a closely related woven rattan and lacquered kiseruzutsu by Ikeda Taishin see Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 17 May 2012, London, lot 113 (sold for 2,500 GBP). For a closely related kiseruzutsu with a simulated rattan body signed Zeshin see Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 29 November 2019, Vienna, lot 87 (sold for 3,792 EUR).