Uchigi (ceremonial court robe), 21st century.
Silk, woven in the futae-orimono technique.
THE TEXTILE MUSEUM’S EXHIBIT IS FASCINATING
The Textile Museum located in the Dupont Circle section of Washington, DC is currently presenting “Woven Treasures of Japan’s Tawaraya Workshop,” running until August 12, 2012.
JAPAN’S TRADITIONAL TEXTILES ARE FEATURED
Japan has a remarkably refined textile tradition, and for centuries the Japanese have admired beautiful silks as the epitome of beauty and opulence, particularly those from the Nishijin district of Kyoto, Japan. Nishijin is known for the production of traditional Japanese textiles, and “Woven Treasures” will feature some of the sumptuous pieces created in one of Nishijin’s oldest and most illustrious workshops: Tawaraya. With a history stretching back more than 500 years, the Tawaraya workshop is renowned for supplying the Japanese Imperial Household with yusoku orimono-fine silks in patterns, weaves, and color combinations traditionally reserved for the garments and furnishings of the aristocracy, including the Emperor.
TECHNICAL MASTERY IS DEMONSTRATED IN THE FEATURED EXAMPLES
The kimono, screens, and other colorful silks in the exhibition demonstrate the technical and aesthetic mastery of the Tawaraya workshop while providing insight into the pageantry and refinement of Japanese court culture.
SHARE YOUR COMMENTS IF YOU VISIT THIS EXHIBIT
If you live in the DC area, you won’t want to miss this amazing exhibit. If you are lucky enough to visit it, please share your comments with us.
I wish I were able to attend this. Japanese kimonos and obis are so elaborate and intricate. I love the feel of their silks and the design on their traditional garments.
Thank you for this information.
Thanks April!
The warm season has just begun, and one never knows is a jaunt to DC is in the offing.
I am taking a group of clients to WDC in April for a pilates retreat long weekend. I will add this to my list of stops. It looks beautiful.