Bamboo masterworks from Japan at the Eskenazi

I’m guessing that last year’s exhibition of Japanese bamboo art at the Eskenazi was a great success, as the gallery is currently showing some more.

As the name suggests, Bamboo Masterworks from Japan – Classical to Contemporary includes works by some older masters of the art alongside contemporary artists, some of whom featured in the previous exhibition. These include Yufu Shohaku, Honda Shoryu, and Mimura Chikuho.

Another contemporary, Honma Hideaki, had three masterful plaited sculptures inspired by the sea and waves.

Sugiura Noriyoshi demonstrated his flexibility and mathematical skills across five pieces.

As for the classic masters, the show includes work by three generations of the famous Chikuunsai family: Tanabe Chikuunsai I (1877-1937), Tanabe Chikuunsai II (1910-2000), and Tanabe Chikuunsai IV (born 1973).

More bamboo “royalty” was represented by Iizuka Shokansai (1919-2004), a former Living National Treasure. Katsushiro Soho (born 1934) is also a Living National Treasure.

Finally, I just want to mention one of my other favourite pieces by Shiotsuki Juran, which intrigued me because of the form and the technique of freestyle plaiting, which I have been working with myself recently.

Bamboo Masterworks from Japan – Classical to Contemporary runs at the Eskenazi gallery until 30 June 2023.