Last weekend I batted my eyelashes and convinced David to help me find this small quilt show, in Ikebukuro on the 5th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space. Finding a new place in Tokyo is always an adventure!
The show was put up by nine quilters who have won prizes at the Tokyo Quilt Festival.
 |
KomoRebi no Diamondo, by Shimura Tsunekko |
The piecing, hand quilting, and to top it off, applique and embroidered embellishments were just awe-inspiring.
They told me, and motioned for me to stay right there. They skipped across the room back to the entrance to fetch Shimura-san herself. She seemed tickled over my oooing and awwing, and was happy to pose for a photo in front of her masterpiece.
 |
| KomoRebi no Diamondo, by Shimura Tsunekko |
Next I recognized this beauty from this year's Tokyo Quilt Festival:
 |
| La Primavera by Toshiko Kurihara |
And moved on... and found a little cluster of small quilts, where this little gem caught my eye:
 |
| little house quilt by Chiyoko Umeda |
 |
| Chiyoko Umeda |
Of course I couldn't read the name on the sign, so I found someone official looking (a docent I thought) and asked her. She gave me the name, and I could tell her English was very good. Next I asked her if she wouldn't mind identifying the maker of another quilt, and led her back to "La Primavera" - at which point she smiled and said "I made it." Wow!
 |
| La Primavera by Toshiko Kurihara |
She said the quilt was inspired by the good thoughts turned towards the region and people affected by the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Spring = hope and regrowth. The following quilt was inspired by the painting styles of Van Gogh and Matisse:
 |
| Soleil by Toshiko Kurihara |
 |
| Masquerade by Toshiko Kuwihara |
Kuwihara-san said that she designs and machine quilts these more modern quilts specifically for the Quilt Festival, according to that particular year's theme. Each quilt takes a full year to complete.
She also makes more utilitarian quilts for regular use, using plain and traditional Japanese fabrics, and for those projects, she hand-quilts. I sure would have loved to see some of those quilts!
It was such a nice show, in a bright venue, and such a pleasure to view quilts without the crushing crowds! Julie F of My Quilt Diary posted here and here about the show and she includes many many more photos.
11 comments:
can see why you liked them so much xx
WOW! The Japanese certainly are especially gifted in the art of sewing, by machine and hand. I wish I could have been there at that show! Thanks so much for sharing the photos. The first quilt is fantastic and I thought you couldn't possibly show me anything nicer, and then you showed more just as wonderful! (sigh)
I have been totally blown away by the quilts I've seen here, for sure!
Cynthia, I think these are the best quilts I've ever seen, you're so lucky to have access to this work. Keep sharing your photos :)
In addition to the fantastic quilts, the ladies were all so nice, friendly, and ready to share their experiences with the quilts. I have met some of those well-known quilters/senseis who are absolute snobs but these women were not at all like that. I'm glad you could go and see them.
Once again, thank you so much for sharing! I am happy you found the makers of these quilts too...what a wonderful day you had!
Thank you so much for sharing your trip to the quilt exhibition. The quilts are stunning, absolutely gorgeous. And how special to be able to meet the quilters.
Oh my gosh! Just incredible. What fun that you got to meet these ultra-talented quilt makers too!
Thanks everyone. Yes, meeting them was a thrill and motivation to use the little bit of Japanese I know. I really wanted to communicate my admiration for such incredible creativity and work. That one of them was nearly fluent in English was a huge bonus because I could really ask questions.
Thanks for your lovely comment, the only trouble is woven cloths are difficult to get hold of here, and expensive when you can! The Tokyo Quilt Festival looks amazing-such skillful work!
Wow Cynthia, the best thing about this show is that there were probably a 100th of the people there compared with the Tokyo Show so you could actually get up close and spend time viewing. The Van Gogh and Phantom quilts are brilliant. You are so lucky to be enjoying the talent and creations from a country of such brilliant quilters.
Post a Comment