Bamboo 1947: Gucci Celebrates 60 Years in Japan

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Gucci products' first official introduction in Japan in 1964. To celebrate this milestone, Gucci is launching various projects and events to express its gratitude to Japanese communities and strengthen its connection with the country. Bamboo 1947: Then and Now is a special collaboration in which traditional Japanese artisans and contemporary artists combine these creative talents to upcycle and create works using vintage Gucci Bamboo 1947 handbags. The exhibition will be held at the Gucci Ginza Gallery from August 2 through September 23, 2024.

Looking back at the creation of the iconic Gucci Bamboo 1947 handbag, one can see the connection with Japan. During the post-war period in Italy, when high-quality materials were scarce, Gucci founder Guccio Gucci and the brand's artisans in Florence used Japanese bamboo to craft the handbag handles. Introduced in 1947, the bamboo handle bag has become an iconic symbol of Gucci, representing the brand's craftsmanship and innovation in luxury.

Bamboo 1947: Then and Now project primarily uses sixty vintage Gucci Bamboo 1947 handbags manufactured and sold during the 1980s and 1990s, each selected by Gucci's dedicated archivists. These bags will be revitalized by a group of distinguished artisans and artists, including goldsmith and "Living National Treasure" Morihito Katsura and his apprentice Naoko Ai, lacquerer Ai Tokeshi, ceramist Hirotsune Nazakato, photographer Daido Moriyama, and painters Yui Yaegashi and Nami Yokoyama. The bags will be displayed at the Gucci Ginza Gallery and available for purchase as art pieces.