Exhibition/event has ended.
Courtesy of Gucci

Bamboo 1947: Then and Now

Gucci Ginza Gallery
Finished

Artists

Morihito Katsura, Naoko Ai, Ai Tokeshi, Hirotsune Nakazato, Daido Moriyama, Yui Yaegashi, Nami Yokoyama
This year marks the 60th anniversary since Gucci products were first officially introduced in Japan in 1964. To celebrate this milestone and express gratitude to the people of Japan, Gucci is launching various projects and events aimed at strengthening its connection with the country. One such initiative is a new art project, which involves a special collaboration where traditional Japanese artisans and contemporary artists create works using vintage Gucci Bamboo 1947 handbags. This unique project not only involves the discovery and upcycling of vintage bags but also brings together these creative talents to produce extraordinary pieces.

Reflecting on the birth of the Gucci Bamboo 1947 handbag reveals a connection to 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. The bamboo-handled bag, introduced in 1947, became an iconic symbol of Gucci, representing the brand’s craftsmanship and innovation in luxury.

The project primarily uses Gucci Bamboo 1947 handbags manufactured and sold during the 1980s and 90s. Sixty vintage bags, each retaining their elegant beauty over the years, were meticulously selected by Gucci's dedicated archivists. These bags will be revitalized by a group of distinguished artists and craftsmen, including 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. Each artist, through their unique skills and creativity, will breathe new life into the bags, engaging in a dialogue with the craftsmanship and rich history embodied by these items.

The completed collection of 60 Gucci Bamboo 1947 handbags will be exhibited at the "Bamboo 1947: Then and Now - Japanese Craftsmanship Meets Contemporary Art" exhibition, held at the Gucci Ginza Gallery in Tokyo from Friday, August 2nd, to Monday, September 23rd. These pieces will also be available for purchase as art pieces.

Through this project, Gucci aims to highlight the timeless beauty of the Gucci Bamboo 1947 handbag, the exceptional craftsmanship of Japanese artisans, and the creative dialogue that has been shared between Gucci and Japan for decades. Together with these craftsmen and artists, Gucci continues to embody its artistic vision and weave stories of tradition and innovation, at the intersection of fashion, art, and culture.

Schedule

Aug 2 (Fri) 2024-Sep 23 (Mon) 2024 

Opening Hours Information

Hours
11:00-18:00
Until 17:00 from August 2 to 4.
Closed
Open throughout the period.
FeeFree
Websitehttps://www.gucci.com/jp/ja/nst/bamboo-1947-ginza
VenueGucci Ginza Gallery
https://www.gucci.com/jp/ja/
Location7F Gucci Ginza, 4-4-10 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
Access1 minute walk from exit B2 at Ginza Station on the Ginza, Hibiya and Marunouchi lines. 4 minute walk from exit A2 at Higashi-ginza Station on the Hibiya or Toei Asakusa line. 5 minute walk from the Ginza exit of JR Yurakucho Station. 5 minute walk from exit 5 at Ginza-itchome Station on the Yurakucho line.
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