Sashiko Exhibition in York and Plymouth
An stunning exhibition of Sashiko textiles is on display at Collins Gallery in Scotland. Later in 2010 it will be at Plymouth. The link to the website for further details is here.
Japanese Sashiko Textiles
27 February – 10 April (closed 2 -5 April inc)
Originated by York Museums Trust and researched by Michele Walker, this is the first major touring exhibition of Japanese Sashiko Textiles to be mounted in the UK and the Collins Gallery is the sole Scottish venue for this visually stunning and comprehensive collection.
Sashiko (sashi-to stitch and ko-small) is a technique similar to quilting characterised by geometric patterns stitched in white on indigo coloured cloth. The motifs used indicate where the garment came from as well as the occupation and social status of the wearer.
Sashiko evolved from a need to re-use and repair, associated with the making of work clothes throughout Japan until the mid-twentieth century and today, Sashiko textiles are protected as Folklore Cultural Assets, categorised as Mingei or traditional crafts integral to a community’s culture.
The exhibition focuses on the lives of the makers, working- class women from fishing and farming communities , through items dating from the mid 19th century ,work by the Okio group (carriers of logs) and by Ciau Sato, a 90 year old from Sado Island.
27 February – 10 April (closed 2 -5 April inc)
Originated by York Museums Trust and researched by Michele Walker, this is the first major touring exhibition of Japanese Sashiko Textiles to be mounted in the UK and the Collins Gallery is the sole Scottish venue for this visually stunning and comprehensive collection.
Sashiko (sashi-to stitch and ko-small) is a technique similar to quilting characterised by geometric patterns stitched in white on indigo coloured cloth. The motifs used indicate where the garment came from as well as the occupation and social status of the wearer.
Sashiko evolved from a need to re-use and repair, associated with the making of work clothes throughout Japan until the mid-twentieth century and today, Sashiko textiles are protected as Folklore Cultural Assets, categorised as Mingei or traditional crafts integral to a community’s culture.
The exhibition focuses on the lives of the makers, working- class women from fishing and farming communities , through items dating from the mid 19th century ,work by the Okio group (carriers of logs) and by Ciau Sato, a 90 year old from Sado Island.
It also explores the fact that Sashiko garments offered both physical and spiritual protection since the indigo dye was repellent to snakes and harmful insects while certain patterns , symbols and “talismans” were stitched on the inside of the garments to protect the most vulnerable areas of the body.
The exhibition comprises over 70 garments and related objects complimented by films and images by the renowned Japanese photographer, Iwayima Takeji (1920 – 1989).
Lenders of historical material include: The Japan Folk Crafts Museum, Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography, The Aikawa and Ogi Folk Museums, Sado Island, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Fukuoka City Museum while contemporary work has been sourced from the NUNO Corporation and from textile artist, Tokunaga Miyoko who created garments especially for the exhibition.
Supported by an on-line publication, practical workshops in Shibori and in Sashiko led by Jeanette Sendler and Sara Keith, and a symposium with presentations by Michele Walker, Lou Taylor, Tim Parry-Williams and Sara Keith.
For further information, please contact:
th Collins Gallery, University of Strathclyde, 22 Richmond St, Glasgow
Tel : 0141 548 2558 E:collinsgallery@strath.ac.uk www.collinsgallery.strath.ac.uk
27 February - 10 April 2010(Closed 2 - 5 April)
Address of Venue:Collins GalleryUniversity of Strathclyde
Address of Venue:Collins GalleryUniversity of Strathclyde
22 Richmond StreetGlasgowG1 1XQ
Website:www.strath.ac.uk/collinsgallery
Opening Times:Mon - Fri 10am - 5pmSat 12 noon - 4pmSundays ClosedPublic holidays - Closed
Admission:Free
Website:www.strath.ac.uk/collinsgallery
Opening Times:Mon - Fri 10am - 5pmSat 12 noon - 4pmSundays ClosedPublic holidays - Closed
Admission:Free
Touring Venues:
31 July - 26 September 2010Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery,8 Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AJwww.plymouth.gov.uk
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