Studio: international art (52.1911)

Japanese Ornamental Basket Work

FIG. 23.—FLOWER BASKET

Many of the pretty forms which basket making
has evolved so strongly resemble the intricate
interlaced ornaments of the Book of Kells and

EIG. 24.—HANGING FLOWER BASKET

Norse carvings that the conclusion seems irresistible
that it is the former which has inspired the latter
and has been the prototype from which they have
originated. Conversely, a perusal of these painted
and sculptured forms, owing to the freedom from
the restrictions of technique, may suggest many
5°

richer and higher examples than could unaided
basket technique alone.

Allusion has been made to the necessity of in-
troducing flat forms among the round ones ; and
nowhere do we find this principle better displayed
than in Celtic painting and carving.

But if basket-work would benefit by the intro-
duction of plain forms it seems equally true that
ordinary joinery might benefit by the introduction of
basket-work. Small Celtic basket details would make
a very elegant enrichment of wainscot and cabinet

FIG. 25.—BURMESE BASKET

FIG. 26.—FORMOSAX BASKET