Single strip hanging flower vase 2006

This hanging flower vase, made of bamboo by Matsumoto Hafū, invites contemplation on simplicity and form. Hafū's approach feels deeply intuitive; he coaxes beauty out of raw material with minimal intervention, allowing the bamboo's natural form to dictate the piece. The vase's surface is smooth and warm, with the bamboo's natural grain creating subtle textures. The color is a gentle, honeyed tone, highlighting the material's organic quality. Look at how the bamboo curves gracefully at the bottom, opening up to cradle a single flower. This simple gesture encapsulates the essence of the piece: a harmonious blend of nature and human touch. This piece reminds me of the work of Isamu Noguchi, who also found beauty in the unadorned and celebrated the inherent qualities of his materials. Like Noguchi, Hafū encourages us to slow down and appreciate the quiet elegance of the natural world.