Kazuo Shima - 篮子 - 紫藤藤蔓，竹子 - 紫藤藤蔓篮子

Wisteria Vine Flower Basket by Kazuo Shima – Master of Gujo Biku Craft (Intangible Cultural Heritage)

Item Description (English):
This is a rare and expressive tsuzura-ami style flower basket crafted by the late Kazuo Shima (嶋數男), a master bamboo artisan from Gujo Hachiman, Gifu Prefecture. Recognized as one of Japan's most accomplished traditional craftsmen, Shima specialized in creating Gujo Biku (traditional fishing baskets) and vine-woven floral vessels, both designated as Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties.

Born in 1921, Shima was the third-generation successor of the Shima Workshop in Atago, Gujo Hachiman. Throughout his life, he preserved and advanced the art of Gujo Biku, characterized by its reverse triangular mouth and double-bottomed structure. His dedication to this regional craft earned him numerous honors, including being named one of Japan’s “100 Forest Masters” in 2002 as part of the National Afforestation Campaign. He passed away a few years ago, and a memorial ceremony was held in 2014 by the mayor of Gujo City in recognition of his lifelong cultural contribution.

In the summer months, Shima also created rustic yet refined wisteria vine baskets, like this piece. These were popular for their natural texture and aesthetic simplicity, often exhibited in department store galleries. This basket is a prime example of that work — elegant, organic, and imbued with the soul of traditional craftsmanship. It includes an internal bamboo tube for holding flowers, and the piece is signed and marked to confirm its authenticity and cultural value.

This artwork is ideal for Japanese tea ceremony rooms, antique interiors, or even modern minimalist settings.

Size:
Width: approx. 23 cm (29 cm including branches)
Height: approx. 12 cm (22 cm including branches)
Depth: approx. 13 cm
Weight: —

Artist Profile:
Kazuo Shima (嶋數男, 1921–2014) was a master artisan from Gujo Hachiman in Gifu Prefecture, known as the final inheritor of Gujo Biku bamboo basket-making. As the third-generation head of Shima Workshop, he spent his life creating traditional fishing baskets and wisteria vine flower vessels, many of which are now recognized as cultural heritage pieces. His craftsmanship was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by Gujo City, and the Gujo Biku technique itself is protected as a cultural treasure of Gifu Prefecture.

In 2002, he was selected as one of Japan’s “100 Forest Masters” under the National Afforestation Promotion Organization. His works are admired across Japan for their blend of function, form, and tradition. In addition to crafting, he was the author of a regional photo-history book titled A Century of Gujo Hachiman in Photographs (1994), further showcasing his love for his hometown and its culture.

Shipping Information:
The item will be carefully packaged and shipped via Japan Post EMS with tracking.
Estimated delivery time is approximately one week depending on the destination country.
Shipping costs and delivery time may vary slightly.
Please note that import duties and taxes are not included in the item price and are the buyer's responsibility.