Product Story
“Teppachi” bamboo basket is a creation based on mendicant monks’ iron bowls. During the 40s to 60s, bamboo baskets in the shape of a Teppachi were prevalent. Those made in Beppu, Japan were must buy souvenirs in the region. The locals sent their best Japanese citrus in the baskets as gifts.
Produced by Chen Yung Sheng, a bamboo craftsman from Taiwan, with original and red bamboo strips. Windmill weave technique is applied. As a practical incarnation of a traditional craftsmanship, it is perfect for storing sundries on a side table or merely hanging on the wall as a decoration.
Chen Yung Sheng
Bamboo Craftsman
Taiwan
“There is a fine distinction between ‘art’ and ‘craftsmanship’. ‘Art’ refers to the atmospheric feeling beyond words; while ‘craftsmanship’ has a meaning of daily usage and must be highly integrated with livelihood.”
Born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Chen Yung Sheng learned the techniques of bamboo weaving while he was studying cultural heritage studies at University. To preserve traditional bamboo craftsmanship, Chen established his studio “Sheng Zhu Gong Fang” to teach and research bamboo weaving techniques across Taiwan, and to restore traditional bambooware.
Chen met Japanese bamboo master Hajime Nakatomi at National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute. He later went to Japan to further his bamboo weaving skills under Hajime Nakatomi’s tutelage, learning how to transform crafts into works of art.