TANABE CHIKUUNSAI IV (B. 1973)

Coming from a preeminent bamboo artists family, Tanabe Chikuunsai IV delivers both traditional and innovative creations. He inherited the family legacy of sprinkling new flavors onto the long-existing art form. He uses Tiger bamboo and Black bamboo along with other natural material to create monumental works in organic forms, which were staged in international institutions.
This current work Tsunagari (Connection), is a perfect example of a tradition-based form infused with contemporary expression. The shape appears to be an ikebana basket, only the entwining handles imply that rather than being a functional object, this work breathes and grow perpetually.
Works of Tanabe Chikuunsai IV are included in numerous institution's collections, such as The Metropolian Museum of Art, British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, and Guimet Museum.