Woven banana leaf yūdon-style flower basket c. early 20th century

Tanabe Chikuunsai crafted this woven banana leaf flower basket sometime before 1937. Look closely at the surface of the basket, the way the light plays across the interwoven strands, and you begin to get a sense of the artist’s process. What strikes me is the tension between the basket’s functionality and its intricate detailing. It's like the artist is playing with the very idea of usefulness. There is a real sense of energy in the push and pull of weaving, a dance of hands and material. See how the darker shades of the banana leaf create a kind of shadow play, accentuating the basket's form. Chikuunsai wasn't just making a basket; he was engaged in a conversation with tradition, pushing the boundaries of what a functional object could be. It reminds me of the early work of Anni Albers, where weaving becomes a language in itself. Ultimately, it's about seeing the world in a new way, appreciating the beauty in the everyday, and understanding that art can be found in the most unexpected places.