Boat-shaped fruit basket Possibly 1918

Yamamoto Chikuryūsai created this boat-shaped fruit basket made of bamboo, during a period of significant transformation in Japan. This era saw increased global interactions and a renewed emphasis on traditional arts, like bamboo weaving. Chikuryūsai, deeply rooted in this tradition, elevated the craft, transforming functional objects into art. The boat form is not accidental; it is laden with cultural meanings. In Japan, boats symbolize journeys, both literal and metaphorical, as well as safe passage and prosperity. The craftsmanship speaks of patience and skill, honed over years. Think about the hands that wove each strip, the care and precision required to achieve this level of detail. This basket invites contemplation, bridging the personal and the cultural, carrying within it stories of identity, heritage, and the journey of life itself.