Bamboo Fish Trap

A trap once sunk in streams to wait for fish. Dozens of thin bamboo strips are bound with hoops, gathered to a fistful at the top; the structure that lets fish in but not out lives inside this simple cone.

The bamboo has faded to a fine water-worn tone. Set by a window, light leaks through the ribs in slanted lines.

Related Objects in Museum Collections

A few related objects found on Korea’s e-Museum by searching for “통발”. Comparing their forms is a quiet pleasure.