Monday, April 23, 2012

Haruko Yoshimura and Japanese Silk Dye




Last Sunday, I made a visit to the Yoshimura Haruko Silk Dye Exhibit at Saitama Dento Kogei Kaikan in Ogawamachi, Saitama Prefecture.  It took three hours by train and bus from Yokohama, but it was well worth it.





This is a close up to one section.




I have blogged before about my ancestor of my grandmother's side.  They had the red dye business for four generations in Takasaki city in Gunma prefecture, but the business went down.  But Haruko san who is my mother's cousin has restored the dye technique by using old wooden boards with patterns.  At the same time, she has integrated all the techniques she has learned and created her own art.  I was surprised to see her modern arts because I expected more traditional way.  But I did see some remnants of the traditional silk dye which I miss very much.  I’ll show you that later on.  Meantime, I hope you enjoy her show.    

The exhibit will last until May 13th.


I just found this site.  You'll see a photo of my great grandfather Heishichi Yoshimura.
I appreciate the authors for this.  It is excellent!  
 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1004&context=tsaconf











4 comments:

Caroline Gill said...

Another lovely post, Keiko ... those reds are stunning and the tulips are exquisite. What fascinating silk work ...

keiko amano said...

Caroline,

Thank you. I have just added more info. Have you noticed the following site? You'll see a photo of my greatgrandfather.

http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1004&context=tsaconf

Harry Sarkisian said...

Always something to learn here. I am going to have to be held back wanting to try this :)

keiko amano said...

Harry,

On the museum flier, I saw her red and blue art works, and she made the reference to arteries and vein. That reminded me of your professional work.
There is always something, isn't it? Yes, I agree.