Natural Fibers
Objects woven, plaited or twisted from plant and animal fibres such as bamboo, rattan, rush, cane, cotton, wool and silk.
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About
Natural fibres come from plants, such as cotton, linen, jute, raffia, rattan and bamboo, or from animals, such as wool and silk. They are spun, twisted, plaited, knotted or woven, and each has its own character: silk is fine and lustrous, wool warm and springy, split bamboo strong and flexible.
Japan developed bamboo basketry into a fine art. In the 20th century masters such as Iizuka Rōkansai and Tanabe Chikuunsai I made baskets for flower arrangement with virtuoso plaiting, and Shōno Shōunsai was named a Living National Treasure in 1967. Elsewhere, basket and textile traditions from Navajo weaving to West African raffia cloth carry long regional histories. In mid-century furniture the Brazilian designer Joaquim Tenreiro paired fine woods with woven cane. Look at the regularity of the weave, the finish of the edges and how the natural colour and texture of the fibre are used.
