07/03/2025
[Reader's submission]
Review of the Bamboo Crafts Demonstration and Workshop with Bamboo Artist, Hafu Matsumoto
by Alice Wollocombe ..
At the Setsu Hotel in Niseko, under the shadow of Mount Yōtei, master bamboo craftsman Hafu Matsumoto sits cross-legged, fully immersed in his work. Decades of dedication are evident in his precise movements, each one a reflection of his expertise and respect for the craft. The Niseko community had a unique opportunity to observe Matsumoto at work. Usually in the quiet of his studio, Matsumoto admitted to feeling nervous performing for an audience. However, his hands moved with the steady confidence of someone who has mastered their craft. In an age when handmade works and high-quality craftsmanship are becoming rarer, watching the sensei work with his handcrafted tools and hand-treated bamboo was a notable experience. The crowd that quickly gathered is a testament to the engaging nature of his work, highlighting the care and attention to detail involved in each of his artworks.
In his 20s, Matsumoto was captivated by the works of master craftsman IIZUKA Shokansai, recognized as a living national treasure in 1982. Inspired, he went to Shokansai's door and asked to become his student. Shokansai set him a series of tasks, mowing the lawn, cleaning the house, and buying groceries, lasting six months. This trial, designed to test his patience and character, saw many students fail. After passing, Matsumoto spent three years living with his master, working unpaid and supporting himself with night shifts. He then spent another decade in the workshop before becoming an independent artist. In an era where craftsmanship is often overlooked, his dedication to his craft stands as a rare and remarkable commitment.
As Matsumoto worked, he spoke about how he let the bamboo "speak" to him, describing it as a living thing. "If the bamboo doesn’t want to go there, you can't force it," he said, somewhat bashfully, pausing mid-performance to clear his design and start again. "You have to listen to the bamboo," he added. Responding to questions from the crowd, Matsumoto revealed that his favourite piece was Coffer in Sashi-Ami Eave with Silver Wire and Meandering Stripe Design. He explained that it took him three years to design and six months to craft. He shared that he hoped to finish it before turning 70, due to the time it demanded, and that he became somewhat obsessive over the design, even dreaming about it while he slept.
Matsumoto’s career has advanced considerably since his early days mowing the lawn for Shokansai. In 2019, after a solo exhibition at Ippodo in New York, Matsumoto’s work, particularly Stretched Out Bamboo Flower Vessel, caught the attention of the Loewe creative team. They recognized a shared quality between leather and bamboo, reaching out to collaborate with him on a series of designs for Milan fashion week. Matsumoto spoke fondly of the experience, mentioning how he met many young artists who influenced his design approach. The Loewe collaboration marked a shift in his style, transitioning from small, intricate Ajiro weaves to larger, more fluid designs incorporating stretched-out bamboo. Matsumoto spoke of how he was inspired by nature, particularly the rolling motion of the waves. In these recent works, the asymmetrical, fluid designs demonstrate this influence, capturing the dynamic flow and energy of the natural world.
Attendees were fortunate to work directly with the master in a small workshop, weaving bamboo bracelets. The patience and dedication required for even this simple weave underscored the immense craftsmanship displayed throughout the presentation. Matsumoto continues his work in Minami Boso, Chiba. His works are available for purchase through Gallery Japan.
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(Thank you Alice!)
![[Reader's submission] Review of the Bamboo Crafts Demonstration and Workshop with Bamboo Artist, Hafu Matsumotoby Alice ...](https://img5.medioq.com/993/230/1282262609932308.jpg)
