At Art Space Fukujuen, a gallery that presents a wide range of works from traditional crafts to contemporary art centered on tea culture, we are pleased to present Tradition and Challenge — The World of the Four Generations of Chikunsai —, an exhibition by bamboo artist Tanabe Chikuunsai.

The “world of tea,” historically shaped by literati—cultivated intellectuals devoted to the arts—has long shared a deep connection with bamboo craftsmanship. Chikuunsai I (1877–1937) not only mastered bamboo techniques, but also pursued ikebana and the way of sencha; in tea, he received full transmission in the Kagetsuan school of sencha from Tominaga Junsen.

From the first generation through to the present fourth, the Chikuunsai lineage has upheld the philosophy and spirit of sencha while continuing to create works attuned to their times.
This exhibition introduces the world of the Chikuunsai masters across generations—preserving tradition while continually embracing new challenges.