Fruit Basket c. mid 20th century

This fruit basket, made of bamboo sometime in the 20th century by Fukuda Chikuyūsai, invites us to consider artmaking as a deeply involved process. Chikuyūsai’s method is labor-intensive: each length is carefully selected and arranged. The texture, color, and surface reveal so much about the basket's creation. The bamboo, thin and pliable, has been skillfully interwoven. The basket's brown hue comes from the natural material. Look at how the weave tightens and loosens, creating this hexagonal pattern in the base. This variation gives the basket an almost pulsating rhythm. There's a conversation happening between craft and art. It reminds me of Eva Hesse's rope sculptures, where the repetition of simple gestures leads to these incredible, complex forms. This piece, like Hesse’s, shows us that art isn't just about the final product; it’s about the journey and the story of its making.