Basket 19th-20th century

Morita Chikuami crafted this remarkable bamboo basket, now housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, during a period of significant transformation in Japan. Chikuami, born in an era of rapid modernization, navigated the shifting landscape of artistic traditions. This basket, far from being a mere functional object, embodies the complex interplay between tradition and modernity. Woven with meticulous care, the basket reflects the legacy of Japanese craftsmanship, a practice deeply intertwined with cultural identity and social hierarchies. During the Meiji and Taisho periods, artists like Chikuami grappled with preserving traditional arts while embracing new forms of expression. Consider the emotional labor embedded within the basket’s intricate weave, a testament to the artist’s dedication and skill, but also reflective of broader societal expectations around labor, gender, and artistic expression. What does it mean to elevate a common object to the status of art? How does it challenge our notions of value, utility, and beauty? It invites us to contemplate our own relationship with the objects that shape our lives.