Japanese Sashiko Textiles
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 available from:
www.sashiko.org.uk
Coming up for textile enthusiasts, two concurrent exhibitions by leading Scottish makers, from 29 May until 26 June (closed 31 May)
Silver as Dye
Sara Keith presents a collection of adornment and framed works illustrative of her development of her highly innovative, new language in shibori , in which silver is fused with shaped resist textiles.
Supported by artist-led workshops and talks.
photo Shannon Tofts
Absent Voices
Mhairi Killin references her own family history on the island of Iona to create a sensitive installation comprising silversmithing, weaving, drawing, sculpture and text.
Supported by an artist’s talk.
photo Shannon Tofts
For information on the rest of our programme for 2010, please refer to the 2010 Calendar.
Information on an additional exhibition, by the Scottish Furniture Makers, running from 21 September until 26 September will be posted at the end of this month!