The Baｍboo Cutter

Yonehara Unkai was from the city of Yasugi in Shimane Prefecture. He studied under Takamura Kôun, and for his knife techniques, he and Yamazaki Chôun were known as the two unmatched pupils of Kôun. This work, made using one oak tree, adopts the theme of a famous scene from the beginning of "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter." It is composed purely of curved lines down to the fine details, enhancing its unconventional charm. In this is demonstrated minute calculation that utilizes even the wood grain, as well as carving technique with extreme refinement.