Kajiwara Koho (b. 1935), Peony Basket, late 20th century, madake bamboo and rattan, 41.75 x 28.5 x 13.5 in.

A Pause in Time, An Emptiness in Space: Ma in Japanese Bamboo Art
March 14 – 22, 2024
Asia Week Hours: Mar 14-22, 11 am-6 pm  (otherwise by appointment)
Opening Reception: Thursday, March 14, 5-9 pm
Colnaghi, 23 East 67th Street, Fourth Floor

TAI Modern returns to Asia Week New York this spring with  a special exhibition of extraordinary works by some of bamboo art’s most esteemed artists, both historic and contemporary. Ma encompasses various meanings, including space, pause, rest, time, or opening, all of which contribute to shaping the distinct aesthetics of bamboo art. The Heart Sutra, one of the most famous texts in Buddhism, states that “form is emptiness, emptiness is form.” This apparent paradox represents a fundamental philosophy in Japanese design and culture, where the significance of absence is equal to that of presence.

This exhibition showcases extraordinary works by some of bamboo art’s most esteemed artists. On display are over forty masterworks, including the dramatic traditional Peony Basket by Kajiwara Koho, featuring a huge arching handle that creates an empty stage for flower arrangement. Hisatomi Muan presents a contemporary version of a circular-handled peony basket in his work aptly titled Space. Sculptural forms abound in our selection, such as the exuberant Setting Sun by Shono Tokuzo, an astoundingly delicate and airy woven sculpture titled Loop by Tanioka Shigeo, and Plume, a large sculpture by the up-and-coming young artist Hasegawa Kei. Hasegawa’s work was recently added to the collection of a prominent public art museum in America. Notably, Japanese Living National Treasure Fujitsuka Shosei’s The Sound of Waves will make its first appearance since the artist received this prestigious title.

Hasegawa Kei, Plume, 2021, black bamboo, rattan, 37 x 19.5 x 12.5 in.

TAI Modern eagerly embraces this opportunity to offer education and guidance, catering to both seasoned collectors and those exploring the art world for the first time. They look forward to welcoming you this week at Colnaghi, 23 East 67th Street, Fourth Floor.

To learn more and preview the exhibit, click here.