Japanese Bamboo Art: The Abbey Collection opens tomorrow through February 2018 at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Bamboos have been a building block of Japanese culture for centuries, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that the artistry began to be recognized as a true art form. Its flexibility and impressive weight-to-strength ratio have allowed people to integrate the grass into every aspect of their lives: from creating musical instruments, baskets, and ornaments, to building bridges and homes. Despite the long history of bamboo art in the East, its beauty and functions have only been acknowledged in the West in the recent years. At last, its centuries of charm is on display for the world to view.
The Sackler Wing Galleries, where the collection is displayed, can be found among the rows of Buddha statues in the Asian art section of The Met. The exhibition includes works of six artists who were designated as Living National Treasures, an award created by the Japanese government after the World War II to preserve the nation’s culture and traditions. One of these artists, Fujinuma Noboru, demonstrated his craftsmanship on the floor of the gallery at the press opening today. Noboru carried a Japanese craft knife and a playful demeanor while surrounded by both American and Japanese reporters.
The exhibition was made possible by Diane and Arthur Abbey, who have been collecting bamboo baskets and sculptures since the 1990s. The Met is offering various gallery tours including Sunday at The Met on October 22, with the artist Noboru, who will demonstrate various weaving techniques.
