A bun shaped bamboo basket with sweeping handle in tight weave of finely split bamboo by Yagisawa Takashi (1927-2006) enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Nawame Nageire Kago. It is 18 cm (7 inches) diameter, 35 cm (14 inches) tall and in excellent condition. It comes complete with the original bamboo otoshi insert.
Yagisawa Takashi was founder of Yagisawa Bamboo Crafts and dedicated his life to the refinement of bamboo artistry. He was born in Ōtawara in 1927 establishing his workshop in 1947 in the wake of the second world war. He quickly rose to national prominence, receiving the Foreign Minister’s and the Labor Minister’s Commendation as a “Contemporary Master Craftsman” in 1975. His artistry was recognized at the highest levels, with a live demonstration of flower basket making before the emperor in 1980, and in 1985 he received the Asahi Shimbun Prize at the Japan Traditional Craft Wood-Bamboo Exhibition as well as the Ojuhosho Medal with a Yellow Ribbon. The Ojuhosho is one of the six types of Medals of Honor awarded by the Japanese government. Specifically, the Yellow Ribbon Medal is awarded to individuals who, through diligence and perseverance in their professional work, have become public role models. It recognizes outstanding skill, craftsmanship, or service in a particular occupation and is often awarded to artisans, engineers, educators, or others who have made sustained contributions to society through their professional excellence. It differs from other Medals of Honor in its emphasis on long-term dedication and exemplary skill in a chosen field, rather than singular acts of bravery or philanthropy. In 1987, he was commended for his many years of creating the fruit baskets presented to the emperor, and in 1991 he was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Silver Rays by the emperor, honored for dedicated service of significant merit. Between 1992 and 2001, he produced four works—bags and baskets—for the Empress, further cementing his legacy as a master of bamboo craft. He passed away in 2006 at the age of 79, leaving behind a distinguished record of artistry, innovation, and service to the imperial household.
