Tanabe Chikuunsai IV (b. 1973, Sakai City, Osaka) was born into one of Japan's most prestigious bamboo families. One of the most talented and versatile bamboo artists of his generation, he has carried on the Tanabe family tradition in the wake of the death of his father, Tanabe Chikuunsai III (1940–2014). He is the chosen son to become Tanabe Chikuunsai IV, representing his family's fourth generation of bamboo artists.
He earned a degree in sculpture from the Tokyo University of the Arts and trained in bamboo crafts at an occupational school in Beppu. From a young age, he gravitated towards bamboo, making his first piece when he was only seven or eight. He continues to work alongside his esteemed father in the elder’s Osaka studio, taking brief breaks in Beppu to improve his proficiency.
His signature is organic sculptural forms made with tiger bamboo and other natural materials.
He has received many accolades, including the Mayor’s Award at the Sakai City Art Exhibition in 2001 and the Osaka Craft Exhibition Choice Award at the All Kansai Art Exhibition in 2004. He is active in Japan and internationally, exhibiting in the USA, UK, New Zealand, Korea, Switzerland, and France. His work is in the collection of the Museum of Fine Art of Boston, Philadelphia Museum of Art, British Museum, Guilt Museum, Quai Branly Museum and the V&A Museum.
