Embroidery by WABI SABI
WABI SABI is back again with an area dedicated to traditional arts, an exhibit and many craftsmen and artists come to present their works and art. Come have a look at material artworks, folded, sewed or dyed, and meet their makers!
Introduction
WABI SABI is about Japanese aesthetic values, and it’s also a series of exhibits presented at Japan Expo every year since 2011, which offer a unique insight of Japanese arts and crafts. A cultural and artistic journey to the heart of a space dedicated to Japanese culture and traditions!
Over 700 sqm, the WABI SABI exhibit unveils various artistic works and techniques, pursuing the same goal as in the previous years. Craftsmen and artists are part of it: more than 120 of them are coming to present their works and offering demonstrations all along the festival.
Tsumami zaiku, folded material
Michiko SHIMONO
Tsumami zaiku is a very precise art which consists in folding small square pieces of material to make them in the shape of flowers. This art dates back to the 17th century and includes two different techniques: Ken-tsumami for sharp-featured creations, and Maru-tsumami with rounded shapes. Combining the two allows much variety. This kind of creations, used by geisha in their hair, are also fashion accessories.
More information on dekobokoan.seesaa.net
Shiori FUJIKAWA
The artist created tsumami zaiku original works with material she dyed herself. Shiori FUJIKAWA has been much influenced by her mother who had a clothe store, and her father, a shamisen and shakuhachi teacher. That’s why her creations are typically Japanese.
More information on shiorifujikawa.com
KAZU workshop
Suppleness, beauty, light: those concepts are expressed through yûzen dying from Kyoto and the art of tsumami zaiku (folding material). Mrs KAZU, yûzen dye craftswoman, was first a painter, and gives an artistic side to her dyed works.
Tsumami Kougeisha Keiko MURAKAMI
The artist creates hair accessories, earrings, or brooches with various types of Japanese materials, including very thin, almost transparent, silk.
More information on twitter.com/tsumamicraft
Material flowers
Jyune YAMAGUCHI
Jyune YAMAGUCHI makes flowers with kimono or obi belt material. She shows you her original creations, from a mere flower to whole bouquets, the encounter of ancient material with modern design.
More information on nejyu.naganoblog.jp
Yoko YOKOUCHI
Yoko YOKOUCHI creates material flowers by making each petal which she paints and sews. The artist makes realistic flowers, but also more abstract flowery creations with imaginary shapes and colors. On her booth, you’ll also see Japanese washi paper flowers.
More information on yokonohana.blog.fc2.com
Dyed material
Yoshihiko HESHIKI
Yoshihiko HESHIKI has long lived between Japan and Australia. Every time he was coming back to Japan, he helped his mother dye clothes in ryûkyû blue. That’s how he got the idea of creating artworks with dyed material, bringing an exotic touch to everyone’s daily life.
More information on ryukyu-i.net
Sadao TAKAHASHI
La teinture yûzen de Tokyo se différencie des autres teintures japonaises par ses couleurs vives. À l’époque d’Edo, les artisans n’utilisaient qu’une seule couleur par pièce, mais depuis peu, dans un souci de modernité, de nouveaux designs multi-couleur sont apparus. Sadao TAKAHASHI utilise des techniques traditionnelles de teinture à la main pour créer des motifs représentant la nature.
Transformed material
Kimono Casual
Kimono Casual proposes a clever mix of traditional Japanese beauty and Western fashion. This unique style of clothes mixes elegance, refinement and kawaii. The team presents Cocoiki’s yûzen hand-dyed scarves, or Musashino uniform tabi pop socks.
- Kimono Casual sur kimonocasual.com
- Cocoiki sur cocoiki.com
- Musashino uniform sur www.musashinouniform.co.jp
KOHARU
The artist makes dresses from kimono, as well as accessories such as handbags. The quality of the fabric and the style of the creations mixing simplicity and precision are very appreciated everywhere in Japan.
More information on koharudress.shop-pro.jp
Shizuko TAKASUKA, chirimen
Chirimen is an art using ancient Japanese from the 17th to early 20th centuries. Shizuko TAKASUKA uses chirimen to create decorations, dolls, etc. Shizuko TAKASUKA is also famous for creating China dolls, expressing the encounter of the East and the West.
Naomi YUMITE, sashiko
Sashiko is a weaving technique that makes very strong fabrics. It’s used for judo kimono for instance. Master Yamate creates modern coats that can worn in daily life. He’s at Japan Expo for the second time.
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