Kosuge Kogetsu Catalog

KOSUGE FUUNSAI KOGETSU

My visit with Kosuge Fuunsai Kogetsu at his home outside the city of Niigata was the most memorable first encounter I have ever had with a bamboo artist.

When we met briefly at the opening of the Lloyd Cotsen “Bamboo Masterworks” exhibition in Niigata, I did not realize Kosuge was still alive, so it was quite a shock when he came up and introduced himself. He told me that he was thrilled that his work was on display alongside vessels by his late esteemed father and brother. Since all of the bamboo artists in the Kosuge family were represented in the exhibition, I promised to get him a copy of the accompanying catalog. I also asked if I could visit him on my next trip to the area.

Later that year, my colleague Koichi Okada and I were met at the small train station by an exuberant Kosuge. We were ushered into his workspace through an entryway that glistened with water from a fresh cleaning. Mrs. Kosuge radiated excitement about our visit. The room was cozy, containing a large brazier with a beautiful iron teakettle quietly steaming. Placed before each of us was a tea sweet, set on an elegant lacquered dish. Immediately I noticed that there was no pick for eating it and assumed that Mrs. Kosuge was so excited that she forgot to set the utensils.

Kosuge brought out his copy of the “Bamboo Masterworks” book, and with tears in his eyes expressed his deep appreciation that he and his family had been included. He explained that this was the room where his father, Kosuge Chikudo, worked, and how his father Susutake Kushime Hanging Flower Basket 2005, 5 x 3 1/2 x 9 1/2 inches Cover: Shimmering of Heated Air 2006, 11 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 16 1/2 inches

3

loved to receive visitors. In fact, he said, Chikudo organized his studio with the idea of creating a space that was not only efficient for work but also for entertaining guests. To illustrate, he reached behind his seat, opened a sliding door on a low cabinet, and pulled out a gorgeous piece of very old susutake. He told us that this 200 year - old stick of bamboo was from the Edo period. Then he drew out a knife from a drawer, and as he talked about how his father had trained him, began splitting the susutake. I was surprised that he would cut such a precious piece of bamboo. By the time he finished describing his decision to become an independent artist, he had created two extraordinarily beautiful tea sweet picks and placed them on our lacquered dishes.

Kosuge’s art is imbued with his love and respect for his father, one of Japan’s master bamboo artists, and his commitment to furthering his family’s legacy. His charm and enthusiasm have earned him a devoted following of collectors in Japan that purchase all the work he can produce. Thus, on this first visit, Kosuge had no work to give me to present in Santa Fe and was reluctant to part with the few remaining pieces from his early years exhibiting in juried shows. However my patience with our developing relationship, along with the lure of a first visit to America, has ultimately made this exhibition of beautiful vessels and objects a reality.

– Robert T. Coffland

Midare-ami Flower Basket with Braided Bamboo Handle 2006, 4 x 3 1/2 x 141/2 inches

4

A R T I S T’S S TAT E M E N T I first met Mr. Robert Coffland three years ago, when the traveling exhibition of “Bamboo Masterworks: Japanese Baskets from the Lloyd Cotsen Collection” came to Niigata. I was thrilled to attend the opening of the show and to see my baskets on display along with the work of my father and brother. I have since had the opportunity to visit and talk with Mr. Coffland and have learned, to my great delight, how receptive Westerners are to Japanese bamboo art.

6

When Mr. Coffland offered me a solo show at his gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico, I was quite surprised. My career as a bamboo artist has spanned 50 years, during which time I have tried to develop the skills my father taught me, but frankly the opportunity of traveling to America and meeting collectors seemed like a dream.

The 18 pieces in this show include new work, as well as three baskets I made in the 1970s when I was in my thirties. I primarily use three techniques: hineri, or twisted bamboo; the pine - needle pattern called matsuba - ami; and masame - wari, a method of preparing bamboo in which lateral cuts are used to create narrow strips.

My art is inspired by the intrinsic beauty of my material and, more broadly, by the inexplicable grandeur of the natural world. I thank God for the gift of bamboo and for the creative talent I have been given. In each of my pieces I try to reflect my deeply held spiritual feelings and beliefs.

In Japan, bamboo is part of an ancient tradition. But this is not so in America. I am therefore deeply gratified by Westerners’ appreciation for the art form and by their generous and insightful comments about the work. I never imagined that my bamboo vessels would transport me into a new world and introduce me to so many warm and interested people. – Kosuge Fuunsai Kogetsu

Shinano River 1970, 311/2 x 7 x 16 1/2 inches

7

Tea Basket 2005, 8 1/2 x 6 1/2 x 6 inches (above) Cylinder Shaped Flower Basket with Round Handles 2005, 7 x 4 x 7 1/2 inches (right)

8

Cocoon 2005, 5 1/2 x 5 x 18 1/2 inches (above) Sacred Mountain 2005, 6 x 5 1/2 x 13 1/2 inches (right)

10

Circular Flower Basket 2006, 7 x 5 x 19 1/2 inches (above) Turtle Shell Pattern Flower Basket 2006, 5 x 3 1/2 x 17 1/2 inches ( left )

13

Swan Lake 1971, 18 x 18 x 17 inches ( above ) Holy Light 1972, 7 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 20 inches ( right )

14

Komezutsu-dake Diamond Pattern Box 2004, 111/2 x 9 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches

16

17 Calligraphy Set in Susutake Diamond Pattern Box 2004, 101/2 x 81/2 x 31/2 inches

KOSUGE FUUNSAI KOGETSU 1932

Born in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture

1948

Studied under his father, Kosuge Chikudo

1951

Admitted first time to Prefectural Art Exhibition

1956

Winner of Minister of Industry and Commerce Prize at the 2nd Japan Flower and Tea Craft Arts Exhibition

1961

Admitted first time to Kofukai Exhibition

1966

Admitted first time to Nitten

1967

Admitted first time to Gendai Kogei Exhibition

1970

Featured on BSN (Broadcasting System of Niigata) “Take ni Ikiru” (Live in Bamboo Art)

1st Solo show (more than 20 thereafter) 1972

Niigata governor used his work as a gift to Emperor Showa

1973

Admitted 1st time to Japan Craft Arts Exhibition (thereafter 3 times)

1978

Became a full member of Japan Traditional Craft Arts Association, but decided to leave the association

1981

Judge at 10th Prefectural Art Exhibition

1983

Featured on BSN program “Kokoni Hitoari Sakuhinari”

1984

Featured on NT21 Broadcasting Program

1986

Two Generations of Bamboo Art Exhibition

1987

Winner of Niigata Daily News Prize at 16th Art Exhibition

1989

Solo show “40 Years in Bamboo Art” at Niigata Isetan

1991

Judge at 20th Prefectural Art Exhibition

1992

Published “Bamboo Art of Kosuge Kogetsu”

1994

Exhibited in “Art of Niigata” at Niigata Modern Arts Museum

1997

Featured on Niigata NHK Broadcasting Program “Take o Ikasu Waza”

2002

“2 Generations of Bamboo Art” at Gallery Yamauchi

2004

Exhibited in “Bamboo Masterworks”, Japan Exhibited in the Hand Workshop Art Center, Richmond, Virginia

2005

“Weavers of Wonder” Show at the Naples Museum, Naples, Florida

2006

Exhibited in “Hin: The Quiet Beauty of Japanese Bamboo Art”, Faulconer Gallery, Grinnell, Iowa and Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago Exhibited in “Beyond Basketry: Japanese Bamboo Art”, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Since 2004, his artwork has been exhibited at art fairs in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Palm Beach.

MUSEUM COLLECTIONS:

Asian Art Museum of San Francisco Turtle Shell Shaped Pine Needle Flower Basket with Oval Handles 2006,10 1/2 x 9 1/2 x 20 inches ( right ) Back Cover: Charcoal Basket 2005, 6 x 5 1/2 x 10 1/2 inches Photography by Gary Mankus

TAIGALLERY 1601 B Paseo de Peralta Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 505.984.1387 • www.taigallery.com