Description
A three tiered bamboo and rattan Chinese basket used to hold stationary. 方形文房提篮
Contrary to popular western belief, not all Chinese baskets were wedding goods nor were they all exclusively to hold food. In fact, they were used for a variety of purposes and were made in a diverse range of styles and shapes. Indeed, some Chinese baskets do commemorate a wedding, while others a new dwelling. Some were made to hold food or fruit, while others are to to hold incense or even scholarly objects.
This particular bright persimmon colored Chinese basket is from the Zhejiang region and is constructed of a bamboo frame, with softwood insets used for inner compartments. The structure is further strengthened with yellow brass coin and flower embellishments. The sides are inset with a tight herringbone basketry weave. In Chinese, this weave pattern is known as the “Renzi pattern” (人字编) as it visually looks similar to Chinese character for “person” (人).
There are three elements that make this particular Chinese basket particularly distinct:
- The first is the condition. Chinese baskets sourced from within mainland China are generally in terribly poor condition due to China’s turbulent history and poor track record in preserving antiquities. In most cases they are poorly restored, broken and missing pieces. Because this basket was sourced from a Japanese collection, it has been carefully preserved in almost new condition. Even the original locking bamboo insert which secures the stacked layers is still with the basket.
- The second is the small size. At just under 30 cm tall, this particular Chinese basket is deceptively small in sized compared to the average three tiered basket. This provides a clue to its original use. This type of basket is known as a 文房提篮 meaning a “scholars stationary box.” This was not given for a wedding but instead belong to the literati.
- The third is the inscription on the top: Bamboo and Pine (竹苞松茂). This particular idiom is a metaphor for a prosperous family or a sturdy and enduring building. During this period it was often used to congratulate the completion of a new house (or sometimes to commemorate a birthday). Its difficult to know if this was for either a birthday or a new house but one thing is for certain: this Chinese basket belonged to an educated man.
Consequently this Chinese basket can considered as a scholar object and not merely a common basket used to hold food or sewing goods.
Size: 16.8 x 21 x 29.5
Late Qing to Early Republican era