New exhibition celebrates the exceptional artistry of Chinese basketry and containers, many of which feature hand-painted motifs and auspicious symbols
Since the Neolithic period (7000–1700 BCE), Chinese craftspeople have split and woven bamboo, reeds, and willow to craft various types of containers for everyday use. Baskets in the north appear sturdy, practical, and simply decorated; while in central and southern China, basketry is often exquisitely embellished with materials such as wood, metal, and lacquer—another traditional Chinese art form. Baskets range in size, form, and usage—from sewing baskets and hat containers to food-carrying baskets and storage containers for grain, clothing, and a host of other domestic items. Although mass-produced plastic containers are now ubiquitous, in parts of rural China, handwoven bamboo baskets still take precedence, particularly in southwest China where they appear in a variety of forms—from woven backpacks to baby carriers. Betrothal or gift baskets, some of the most ornate Chinese baskets, are filled with food and gifts and given to the bride-to-be by the groom and his family. Still made today in several southeastern provinces, many of these specimens are now intended for the tourist or international market. This exhibition highlights a range of 19th- to early 20th-century baskets. Some of the “baskets” in this exhibition are not woven at all; rather they are entirely crafted from wood and lacquered, mimicking the form of a basket, while demonstrating the ingenuity of Chinese carrying containers.
Special thank you to Sally Yu Leung for making this exhibition possible and to Dr. William Ma, Assistant Professor, College of Art & Design, Louisiana State University, for his curatorial contributions.
Visit https://www.sfomuseum.org/exhibitions/portable-craft-chinese-baskets for more information.
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Portable Craft: Chinese Woven Baskets and Containers is located post-security in Harvey Milk Terminal 1 of the San Francisco International Airport. This exhibition is on view to all Airport visitors from April 19, 2025–June 7, 2026 to ticketed passengers, and through prior arrangement by emailing curator@flysfo.com.