Chikuunsai IV Tanabe

Born 1973 in Sakai City, Osaka, Japan.

Graduated 1992 from Osaka Craft High School, majored in fine art.

Graduated 1999 from Tokyo Art University, majored in sculpture.

Tanabe Chikuunsai IV was born into one of Japan's most prestigious bamboo pedigrees. Like his father, Tanabe Chikuunsai III, he attended art school and earned a degree in sculpture. He is the son chosen to become Tanabe Chikuunsai IV, representing the fourth generation of bamboo artists in his family. From a young age he gravitated towards bamboo, making his first piece when he was only 7 or 8. He is active in Japan and internationally, exhibiting and demonstrating in USA, UK, New Zealand, Switzerland, and Korea. His work is in the collection of the Seattle Art Museum, Museum Fine Art of Boston, Philadelphia Museum of Art, the British Museum and the V & A Museum.