"Snuki Bamboo Ittou Carving | JCRAFTS.com (Japanese Crafts)

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It is believed that bamboo carving was communicated to Japan from China, and that it was already flourishing by the Nara era (710-794). The origin of Sanuki bamboo carving is thought to be the "Sanuki-Bori" school of carving, established by Tamakaji Zoukoku. It was developed by his descendants and others, leading to a variety of Sanuki-Bori works being made from wood, bamboo and ivory. As green tea became popular, teascoops and incense containers were made in great numbers, but with the decline of green tea they became less widely produced. However, pieces utilizing the strength and gentleness of bamboo continue to be made today according to traditional processes, and still bring peace and calm to daily lives.

Because bamboo is fibrous and curved, it is more difficult to carve than wood. A high level of skill and long years of experience are necessary. Having achieved this, Shuho Nishimura quickly makes pieces featuring pictures and Chinese characters so precise it is as if they have been laser-printed.
With lacquer techniques he learnt from his fellow craftspeople, he produces lacquered works of a quality high by even professional standards. These pieces, and others--including Buddhist carvings with undeniable presence--are well worth a look.

From the variety of shapes and colors of bamboo stored at Nishimura's workshop, one can see the attention he pays to his materials. He collects dyed bamboo, lacquered and polished bamboo, and bamboo that has been used in the thatched roofs of homes. He collects bamboos with different peculiarities from all over Japan, and if there is someone carving bamboo he will go overseas to pursue them.
Every piece of this carefully selected bamboo has a different texture, and even if it shares a design with another carving each work is unique.

With refined skill and an unceasing desire for self-improvement, he produces strong and beautiful pieces.

The "Left Horse" is the Chinese character for "horse" written backwards. Here are some theories about why it is considered lucky:
1	When spelt out in the Japanese alphabet, "horse" is "u-ma," and when this is read backwards it becomes "ma-u." This also means "dance," which brings to mind the dances that have long been performed at auspicious occasions.
2	The lower part of the Chinese character for "horse" is similar to a money-pouch. Pulling the mouth tightly closed prevents money from escaping, so it is speculated that this symbol therefore became a symbol of good luck.
3	Normally people lead horses, but if a horse is reversed then it leads people. It is speculated that this idea led to an association with business prosperity.
4	Horses are mounted from the left. If you try to mount one from the right, you fall off. Because of this, it is said that people with a "Left Horse" charm are successful at horse-races.

The "Left Horse" is a lucky charm for businesses, and is popular on keyholders, ornamental shogi (Japanese chess) pieces, and netsuke (decorations traditionally attached to belts).

Despite being strongly connected with people's lives since ancient times, horses have attracted worship in many areas of the globe. They are often considered a blessed animal used by the gods as messengers and as a favorite guise when transforming. Hence, lucky charms made with horses as motifs are plentiful throughout the world. In Japan, it is a well-established idea: pictures of horses are offered to temples in the hope of obtaining good fortune. Objects bearing the "Left Horse" are considered to contain significant power, and so the "Left Horse" character is very popular. Those who have a "Left Horse" are believed to enjoy great fortune, and it is said that all their dreams--be they about finances, success, health, love, or triumph--will be fulfilled.


Sanuki Bamboo Ittou Carving Hangable Ornament [Guanyin in White] Length: 65cm-70cmWidth: 17cm-18cmWeight: 2000g-3000g	Sanuki Bamboo Ittou Carving Hangable Ornament [Daruma Crossing the Sea] Length: 65cm-70cmWidth: 17cm-18cmWeight: 2000g-3000g	Sanuki Bamboo Ittou Carving Hangable Ornament [Vaisravana] Length: 65cm-70cmWidth: 17cm-18cmWeight: 2000g-3000g
JPY150,000	JPY150,000	JPY150,000

Add a single seasonal flower to create a work of art. A vase that highlights the texture of the bamboo.

There is a tube inside to stop water from leaking out. A vase that exploits the texture of bamboo, and that can be made into a work of art simply by inserting a seasonal flower.

Sanuki Bamboo Ittou Carving Soot-Colored One-Flower Vase [Daruma B]
Length: 40cmDiameter: 5cmWeight: 400g-450g
JPY 30,000

Sanuki Bamboo Ittou Carving Soot-Colored One-Flower Vase [Peacock]
Length: 40cmDiameter: 5cmWeight: 400g-450g
JPY30,000

Sanuki Bamboo Ittou Carving Soot-Colored One-Flower Vase [Itinerant Priest]
Length: 40cmDiameter: 5cmWeight: 400g-450g
JPY30,000


		Sanuki Bamboo Ittou Carving Hangable Ornament [Sumo Wrestlers] Length: 15cm-18cmWidth: 13cm-14cmWeight: 250g-300g JPY 20,000

Sanuki Bamboo Ittou Carving Hangable Ornament
[Gods of Wind & Thunder]
Length: 35cmWidth: 15cmWeight: 1000g-1500g

JPY50,000

Sanuki Bamboo Ittou Carving Hangable Ornament [Mahavairocana]
Length: 40cmWidth: 14cmWeight: 450g-550g

JPY60,000

In addition to these, any image or characters can be hand-carved.
Please do not hesitate to contact us here.