Mie lives and works in Kitsukishi, Oita Prefecture in Japan, a country with an ancient and distinguished weaving tradition. The bamboo she uses for her work is locally sourced and carefully treated by hand. This time consuming process and her finely honed weaving skills separate her work as fine Japanese craftsmanship.
So we weren't surprised when celebrated interiors stylist Colin King selected her baskets recently for his showroom at the Expert. King says, "I've always been drawn to weaving, baskets, and textile art. Susutake baskets have a really interesting history - I started doing research and became fascinated with them. I love ikebana and arranging things in baskets. I have a few of my own and always like to see them out in the world."
Ikebana ('arranging flowers' or 'making flowers alive') is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. The ancient tradition is thought to date back as far as 794, and is counted as one of the three classical Japanese arts of refinement, along with kōdō for incense appreciation and chadō for the tea ceremony.
Illustration from the Kaō irai no Kadensho, believed to be the oldest manuscript of ikebana teaching.
There are many different styles and schools of Ikebana, but they are united in their emphasis on shape, line and form.
Colored diagram #61 of shōka works from the Sōka Hyakki.
We're so happy to be carrying Mie's very special and highly collectable work at Twenty One Tonnes. Shop her pieces HERE.
