#Japan #Tokyo #Hitomi Abe #Bamboo Craft #ESCAPERS AN OTHER WORLD

The Metaphoric Basket: An Exhibition of Hitomi Abe's Bamboo Mastery

ESCAPERS AN OTHER WORLD is set to host an extraordinary exhibition featuring the bamboo craft artist Hitomi Abe, titled "The Metaphoric Basket." This showcase will delve into the creative exploration of the space between the ordinary and the extraordinary, a central theme in Abe's work that invites viewers to find joy in both simplicity and complexity.

Hitomi Abe is renowned for her unique ability to weave together traditional bamboo techniques with contemporary design that transcends everyday aesthetics. Her philosophy revolves around the enjoyment of interplay between the usual and the unusual, using bamboo as her primary medium. This exhibition will present a rich tapestry of her work, focusing on pieces from her various collections spanning over ten years.

A Journey Through Ten Years of Craft

Among the highlights of this exhibition are her remarkable series, such as the "Brim" and "Fringe" collections as well as unique pieces from the "Box" series. Each work embodies a narrative, reflecting years of dedication and artistic exploration, culminating in a showcase that celebrates bamboo's versatility and beauty.

The Brim Series

One of the standout items is the Brim Basket M, which features a removable disc that symbolizes a hat’s brim. This series transforms traditional baskets into functional art, offering both aesthetic pleasure and utility. The disc can be placed across the basket’s handle, providing a playful interaction where users can customize their experience by attaching or detaching it as they please.

Abe employs meticulous craftsmanship in creating the delicate bamboo strips required for her work. She emphasizes that approximately 80% of a piece's quality is determined by the processing of bamboo, which can take up to two full days of intense labor. Each strip is handcrafted from thoroughly dried Take (bamboo), ensuring every detail is refined to perfection before the weaving process begins.

The Fringe Series

In the Fringe series, Abe utilizes the concept of fringe hairstyles, mimicking the way one might alter their appearance. The baskets are designed to offer users the liberty to customize them as they use them, thereby reflecting a dynamic relationship between the artist’s vision and the user's creativity.

The Box Series

Abe’s Box series showcases a variety of sizes, from small handheld boxes to larger containers, each crafted thoughtfully over the past decade. These boxes are designed with simplicity in mind, inviting users to imagine their own purpose for each piece while maintaining a serene aesthetic through tasteful rattan accents.

Bamboo and Stone Objects

In addition to the series mentioned, Abe will also unveil her new works featuring bamboo and stone. These objects transform stones collected from the sea on a full moon day, wrapped in intricate bamboo weavings that evoke a sense of texture and pristine nature. The contrast between the lightweight bamboo and the solid stone invites viewers to appreciate the subtle interplay of materials and their evolving characteristics over time.

Exhibition Details

Join us from December 5 to December 15, 2025, daily from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with the gallery closed on December 11 and 12. Hitomi Abe will be present on the opening day, December 5, allowing visitors to engage directly with the artist behind these beautiful creations.

About Hitomi Abe

Hitomi Abe is a talented bamboo craft artist who studied textile design at Joshibi University of Art and Design. She has contributed to the establishment of the flagship store for Maison Martin Margiela and has honed her skills in bamboo artistry at the Oita Bamboo Craft Training Center. Currently, she works from her studio in Hiji, Oita Prefecture, immersing herself in the art of traditional bamboo weaving while pushing the boundaries of contemporary craft. You can follow her journey on Instagram @a__hitomi.

Venue Information

The exhibition will take place at ESCAPERS AN OTHER WORLD, located in Minato, Tokyo. This space is dedicated to highlighting timeless expressions through thoughtfully curated jewelry and craft works that resonate with the essence of daily life.

For inquiries, you can contact
ESCAPERS AN OTHER WORLD at 080-7508-9967 or visit their Instagram @escapers_another_world.

Let yourself be inspired by Hitomi Abe’s innovative bamboo creations, and discover the delicate synergy of art and function that transcends conventional craft.