Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Mingei


A friend lent me this fantastic book of Japanese folk crafts. The Japan Folk Crafts Museum in Tokyo was founded in 1926 by Soetsu Yanagi to preserve the everyday handmade, functional objects being replaced by factories. The textiles are mostly kimonos made from indigo dyed cotton, linen and hemp.  

This next photo is not a kimono, but a kimono comforter! A cotton quilt in the shape of a kimono. The caption reads, "Wrapped securely in symbols of good fortune, wearers could drift off to sleep peacefully." 

>This fireman's coat has resist indigo water waves across the back...


...and embroidery on the sleeves.

1 comment:

Maryanne said...

I know how to get to that museum! and will gladly take you there.