Purple Bamboo Toss-in style Flower Basket

Artist Shono Shounsai (Japanese, 1904–1974)

Date1955–1965

MediumBamboo

DimensionsHeight: 16 inches (40.6 cm);
Diameter: 5 inches (12.7 cm)

ClassificationsDecorative Arts

Credit LineBequest of Ritalou Rogow Harris, Class of 1957, and Robert O. Harris

Terms

Decorative Arts
Bamboo
Japanese

Object number2012.015.022

Label CopyShono Shounsai’s poor health as a child led to his training in bamboo basketry, as was often the case for people with physical ailments that prevented them from pursuing other vocations. He apprenticed in Kyushu with Sato Chikuyusai and showed unusual talent. By the early age of 22 he had mastered bamboo techniques and established his own studio. In his pursuit of a personal artistic expression he pushed bamboo art to a whole new level, creating bold, sculptural works. In 1967, Shono Shounsai became the first bamboo artist to be honored with the designation of Living National Treasure.

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