This is an exhibition of textiles collected from a quiltmaker’s point of view. The fabrics displayed here have been collected since I began quilting 25 years ago. I was impressed by the feel of the fabrics, and how they are sewn. In the beginning, I was simply charmed by the Indigo-dyed fabric, with its various shades and its flowery natural colors of blue. Later, when I started to use vintage silk kimono fabric for my own quilt making, I was amazed by the vast variety of its colors, texture, etc., as well as the process of its dyeing, weaving and design motifs.
Here is just one of the woven pieces on display. The kimono, seen at left, was made for a baby girl for her dedication to a Shinto Shrine. It is made of ramie fabric with very fine Kasuri ikat patterns. The ornamental sash on the back and red lining on the collar are amulets. Yoshimi Kato Collection.
Although the history of the silk industry is longer than that of cotton in Japan, it is difficult to find silk products that are more than 100 years old, as they are all worn out. However, the craftsmanship of all textile technology in Japan has been with us for nearly two thousand years, and the passion to create new materials and original techniques is still alive today. Cotton was introduced to Japan, and its cultivation began, over 400 years ago. Since then, it has been widely used not only for clothing, but also for comforters, cleaning cloths, interior ornaments and banners, and even for decorating farm animals.
On the right is an Umano Haragake, a horse decoration. Made of cotton, the design is created using a free-hand paste resist method with Indigo and red dyes. This horse ornament is used on festive occasions, such as the cattle fair or Shinto Shrine festivals. The carp motif climbing up the waterfall is often used as a symbol of strength and braveness. Yoshimi Kato Collection.
Fundamentally, the texture of fabric is appreciated by handling and touching. However, since many of the pieces cannot be touched, I have prepared various display fabrics so that visitors may touch and feel the textures. The fabrics you see here are mostly made with natural fibers but there are many synthetic fabrics and threads used by quilters in Japan. Also on display will be books I have selected to introduce you to synthetic fabrics. The books show only a small part of the world of synthetic fabrics in Japan.
Miwako Kimura, Curator
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