Large Japanese Woven Bamboo Vase by Masaichi Ishida
All the timelessness of Japanese craftsmanship in this unique large woven bamboo vase. It was made by Kyoto-based Masaichi Ishida, who at over 85 years of age and 69 years of career is recognised as an outstanding master craftsman of the fascinating and time-consuming work of bamboo basketry. This piece was designed in collaboration with Shigeo Mashiro, founder of the Sfera brand, who brought his contemporary vision to this timeless work.
To make this piece, Ishida san first selected the best bamboo, a plant found everywhere in Japan with many endemic varieties, but of which only the most beautiful will give the most beautiful basketry, so this first selection was key. The cut bamboos are then heated to remove the oil from their core and then put to dry. Then begins the slow and extremely tedious work of cutting the bamboo pieces vertically, entirely by hand with the help of various very simple tools, including knives, to obtain thinner and thinner strips, the challenge being of course to obtain strips of very specific and identical dimensions. A very physical job! He then made the patterns by weaving and bending the different strips using ancestral techniques. Several months of work were necessary.
A unique manual work for a unique piece, wonderfully decorative, traditional in its heritage but very contemporary in its style, and which fits perfectly in a modern urban universe. Inside the vase, a removable U-shaped piece of bamboo, covered with black urushi lacquer, can be filled with water to accommodate a floral or plant composition, from the simplest to the most sophisticated. A piece that will leave no one indifferent and which would have been at home in the beautiful "Fendre l'Air" exhibition (2019) at the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris, which celebrated the art of Japanese bamboo basketry.
| PLACE OF MANUFACTURE | JAPAN |
| DIMENSIONS |
Diameter 28cm; Height 18,5cm |
| WEIGHT | 432gr |
| MATERIALS | Bamboo |
© Atelier Ikiwa – Laurence Corteggiani. Photos and texts protected. All reproduction prohibited without permission.
KNOW-HOW
The art of bamboo in Japan, born from centuries-old traditions, transforms this natural plant into works of great delicacy. Craftsmen master the art of weaving, a complex technique that consists of intertwining the fibers to create baskets, decorative objects of extreme finesse and even sculptures, many of which are exhibited in museums.
Each region has developed its own style, reflecting the unique relationship between nature and know-how. Passed down from generation to generation, this art combines precision and creativity, while adapting to contemporary aesthetics.
Bamboo, a symbol of flexibility and strength, perfectly embodies the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship, respectful of immutable traditions inspiring new creativity.
DELIVERY AND PAYMENT OPTIONS
Shipping
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Returns and Exchanges
14 days to change your mind. Learn more >
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Handle with care. Rub gently with a soft cloth. Do not place near a heat source.
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The art of wrapping
The exceptional items are wrapped in a beautiful fabric beautifully knotted according to the little-known art of Korean pojagi and decorated with a delightful maedup (Korean ornamental knot). Details and conditions >
WRAPPING
Exceptional items are wrapped in textiles tied according to the Korean pojagi art