Mini Bamboo Star Cage by Akio Hizume

[Mark Meckes]

This Mini Bamboo Star Cage was a gift to Carole Malone Meckes from Akio Hizume (1999).
http://www.bamboocraft.net/gallery/data/522/thumbs/74MVC-051F.JPG See photo (http://www.bamboocraft.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=535&cat=500&ppuser=74)
It is made from split bamboo sticks, that are about 1/8 inch (2mm) thick, and is about 2 inches (5cm) diameter.
I would love to learn how to make this.
It seems to be mostly held together by tension, though a little glue appears to have been used for some loose
sticks.

~ Mark

[Mark Meckes]

Two and a 1/2 years have gone by, and since posting this, I've met Akio, I have seen several of his larger installations in the USA, ( he stayed with us during one of his visits)... and a great pleasure it was!
His art installations have within them, essential principals of mathematics and geometry, and yes, music too!
But then there are also tricks to the trade, seemingly trivial, but actually very important construction techniques, as we all, who work with bamboo, know what I'm about talking about!
When Akio stayed with us in Texas in 2002, just before he was about to leave to return to Japan, I showed him this Mini Star Cage that he had given to Carole in 1999, and asked...
"How did you make this?", and he explained a couple of those practical `tricks of construction'.
Thanks Akio!!! Much appreciated!

Dear Readers, do you want to know too ?
Well,if you can invite Akio to provide a bamboo art installation in your country or city, and provide him with a good means and hospitality, then He might tell you too!

~ Mark