Bamboo work ranks alongside ceramics as one of Japan's oldest traditional art-forms, born as they are in the immediacy of nature, honed in complexity and form over time by the ambition, and hand, of the artisan. Thus, even though a tradition may run deep into antiquity, there are always frontiers left to explore, and new joys for even experienced eyes who think they have seen everything. Setsuko Isohi is one such artist to turn to the long-established art of bamboo work, and her art is a revelation, conjuring fresh forms from the weaves of madake, the Japanese bamboo and the rattan that she makes her own.
A traditionally male calling in the Japanese arts, bamboo work requires enormous strength to work with the rigid material to form its flowing structures. Isohi's bamboo art as one of the few women at this level in kogei tradition shows remarkable sensitivity to the subtlety possible in bamboo, but without losing any of the bold geometrics that give bamboo work a sense of instancy found in modernity. Her feminine perspective begins a conversation that has already seen Isohi garner much recognition both in Japan and abroad that some has drawn fresh eyes to bamboo work and one that art lovers the world over owe it to themselves to be acquainted with.
Nihombashi Mitsukoshi will be home to some 50 of Setsuko Isohi's works, including her renowned flower vases and baskets that offers a rare chance to understand her output and unique style in its entirety. So take this opportunity to get lost in the layers of impossibly immaculate forms summoned from this simple material that demonstrates as ever the urgency of Japanese kogei crafts.
Setsuko Isohi Bamboo Work Exhibition
Location
Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, Main Building 6F, Fine Arts, Kogei Salon
Open
6th April to 12th April (Closes at 17:00 on the final day)