Beppu Bamboo Basketry

Beppu Bamboo Basketry is a basketry tradition originating in the city of Beppu, Ōita Prefecture, Japan. It represents one of the most prominent and continuous centers of Japanese bamboo basket-making, with a strong emphasis on both utilitarian and artistic basket forms.

Historical Overview

Basket-making in Beppu developed in close connection with the region’s hot spring culture and domestic life during the Edo period. Bamboo baskets were produced for household use, commerce, and later for tea ceremony contexts. During the late Edo and Meiji periods, Beppu emerged as a major production center, supplying baskets well beyond the local region.

In the twentieth century, Beppu Bamboo Basketry underwent a transformation from primarily utilitarian production toward refined artistic expression, while maintaining basketry as its core craft identity.

Craft Characteristics

The tradition is defined by the production of baskets as its primary and dominant output. Forms range from practical containers to highly refined artistic baskets, often emphasizing structural precision, balance, and surface rhythm. Non-basket bamboo objects play a marginal role within this tradition.

Cultural Significance

Beppu Bamboo Basketry is widely regarded as one of the most influential basketry traditions in Japan and has contributed significantly to the international recognition of Japanese bamboo basketry as an art form.

References

• Beppu City Traditional Industries Association. Beppu Takezaiku. Beppu City.
• Ōita Prefectural Board of Education. Traditional Crafts of Ōita Prefecture.
• Japan Traditional Craft Association. Japanese Bamboo Basketry.
• Beppu City Bamboo Crafts Center. Exhibition and archival materials.