GUCCI BAMBOO 1947: THEN AND NOW - JAPANESE CRAFTSMANSHIP MEETS CONTEMPORARY ART
This year, Gucci celebrates a remarkable milestone: 60 years since its official introduction to Japan in 1964. To commemorate this anniversary and express gratitude to the Japanese people, Gucci is launching a series of projects and events designed to deepen its connection with the country. Among these initiatives is an extraordinary art project that merges tradition with contemporary creativity, centered around the iconic Gucci Bamboo 1947 handbag.
A Legacy of Innovation
The history of the Gucci Bamboo 1947 handbag is deeply intertwined with Japan. In the post-war period, high-quality materials were scarce in Italy. Gucci's founder, Guccio Gucci, along with the brand's artisans in Florence, turned to Japanese bamboo to craft the handbag handles. This innovative use of bamboo not only addressed material shortages but also established a lasting connection between Gucci and Japan. Introduced in 1947, the bamboo-handled bag quickly became a symbol of Gucci's ingenuity and craftsmanship in luxury fashion.
Reviving Vintage Elegance
For this special project, Gucci has selected 60 vintage Gucci Bamboo 1947 handbags from the 1980s and 90s, each retaining its timeless elegance. These bags have been meticulously curated by Gucci's archivists to be revitalized by a group of distinguished Japanese artists and craftsmen. The collaboration brings together talents like Living National Treasure metal craftsman Morihito Katsura and his disciple Naoko Ai, lacquer artist Ai Tokeshi, ceramic artist Hirotsune Nakazato, photographer Daido Moriyama, and painters Yui Yaegashi and Nami Yokoyama.
The Artists and Their Creations
Each artist will infuse their unique skills and creativity into the vintage handbags, engaging in a dialogue with the craftsmanship and rich history these items embody.
Morihito Katsura and Naoko Ai: Known for their exceptional metalwork, they will incorporate intricate designs and traditional techniques to enhance the bags' hardware and embellishments.
Ai Tokeshi: A master of lacquer art, Tokeshi will apply her expertise to add layers of depth and elegance to the bags' surfaces.
Hirotsune Nakazato: With his ceramic artistry, Nakazato will introduce elements that blend seamlessly with the bags' original designs, creating a harmonious fusion of materials.
Daido Moriyama: Renowned for his photography, Moriyama will contribute visual narratives that capture the essence of the bags and their journey through time.
Yui Yaegashi and Nami Yokoyama: These painters will breathe new life into the handbags with their vibrant and expressive artworks, turning each piece into a unique canvas of contemporary art.
Exhibition at Gucci Ginza Gallery
The culmination of this project, "Bamboo 1947: Then and Now - Japanese Craftsmanship Meets Contemporary Art," will be exhibited at the Gucci Ginza Gallery in Tokyo from Friday, August 2nd, to Monday, September 23rd. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to witness the convergence of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and contemporary art through the lens of Gucci's iconic handbags. The collection of 60 revitalized Gucci Bamboo 1947 handbags will not only be on display but also available for purchase as unique art pieces.
Celebrating a Creative Dialogue
Through this project, Gucci aims to highlight the enduring beauty of the Gucci Bamboo 1947 handbag and celebrate the exceptional craftsmanship of Japanese artisans. It also underscores the creative dialogue that has flourished between Gucci and Japan for decades. By weaving stories of tradition and innovation, Gucci continues to embody its artistic vision at the intersection of fashion, art, and culture.
The "Bamboo 1947: Then and Now" exhibition is a testament to the timeless allure of Gucci's designs and the profound cultural exchange that has shaped its legacy. As the brand looks to the future, it remains committed to honoring its heritage while embracing new forms of artistic expression. This exhibition is a tribute to the past and a celebration of the creative possibilities that lie ahead.