Page 42 - Christies Japanese and Korean Art Sept 22 2020 NYC

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TANABE CHIKUUNSAI IV (B. 1973)
Tsunagari (Connection), 2019
Signed Chikuunsai zo kore
Woven bamboo sculpture
15 x 39 x 14¡ in. (38.1 x 99.1 x 36.5 cm.)
With original wood box titled Tsunagari (Connection), signed Yondai
Chikuunsai zo (made by Chikuunsai IV) and sealed Yonsei Chikuunsai,
dated 2019

$8,000-12,000

Coming from a preeminent bamboo artists family, Tanabe
Chikuunsai IV delivers both traditional and innovative creations.
He inherited the family legacy of sprinkling new flavors onto the
long-existing art form. He uses Tiger bamboo and Black bamboo
along with other natural material to create monumental works in
organic forms, which were staged in international institutions.
This current work Tsunagari (Connection), is a perfect example of a
tradition-based form infused with contemporary expression. The
shape appears to be an ikebana basket, only the entwining handles
imply that rather than being a functional object, this work breathes
and grow perpetually.
Works of Tanabe Chikuunsai IV are included in numerous
institution's collections, such as The Metropolian Museum of Art,
British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, and Guimet Museum.

Technique and skill and spirit are important. My parents
taught me that this spirit is more important than technique.

Using bamboo, I try to keep the spirit and tradition in my
heart as I create new work.

– Tanabe Chikuunsai IV, 2018

Chikuunsai IV working on his monumental
installation work, Godai (Five Elements) at the
Museé Guimet, Paris, 2016
Photo © Tadayuki Minamoto