Bamboo grows abundantly in China, Chinese peasants have used it for daily utensils, buildings, furniture, and paper. Perhaps its finest manifestation is found in the art of basketry. Some of the earliest known evidence of baskets are traces of weave markings on pottery shards excavated at the site of Banpo in Shaanxi Province, dated to 4000-2000 BCE. There is enormous variety in the intricate patterns of weaving and other woods, metal, lacquer and painted designs can add another layer of complexity to an art form that is both functional and sublime.

Thanks to Sally Yu Leung who kindly loaned the museum many exquisite baskets for this exhibit. Ms. Leung specializes in Chinese culture and folk art, often producing and curating cultural exhibits. She has many active roles at the San Francisco's Asian Art Museum - including Mayor-Appointed Asian Art Commissioner, Board of the Society for Asian Art, and Senior Docent - and has served on the boards of the Asian American International School and the Chinese Cultural Foundation.