Openwork octagonal flower basket c. early 20th century

Editor: Here we have "Openwork octagonal flower basket," made around the early 20th century by Tanabe Chikuunsai. It's crafted from woven wood and bamboo. The craftsmanship looks so intricate. How should we think about this as more than just a pretty container? Curator: For me, this piece is about more than aesthetics; it's about the labor and materiality embedded within it. Consider the meticulous process of selecting, preparing, and weaving the bamboo. It wasn’t just about creating a form, but mastering a material through countless hours of practice. Editor: So, you're saying it's not just about the final shape but the process to make the art. Curator: Exactly. Bamboo work elevates the craft to an art, challenging the Western division between "high art" and functional objects. Think about the social context. Who harvested this bamboo? Who taught these techniques? It reveals much about Japanese craft traditions. What about the basket form, itself? How might that reference larger cultural forms of creating beauty through practical function? Editor: I hadn't thought about all that labor going into the object. Is it considered decorative art rather than art in Japan? Curator: This is where the categories get slippery, isn't it? By closely examining the materiality and production of this piece, we see the convergence of skill, labor, and artistic intention, blurring the lines between art and craft, purpose, and representation. Consider where something like this may be sold. Were they sold or was it just for internal trade. The work and intention becomes a unique expression that's both traditional and deeply personal. Editor: That really gives me a fresh appreciation, thinking of it as not just a basket but a document of labor and culture. Thanks! Curator: Absolutely, considering an art form through what and how is constructed opens an interesting understanding and perspective about what the intentions may be.