Do you know "Kurashiki Knotting"?
"Kurashiki Knotting," which is woven by tying together 160 bundles of wool as weft threads to the cotton warp threads, is a chair mat that has its origin in the English word "knot." It was established in 1953 by Yoshinosuke Tonemura, the first director of the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft, as "the world's smallest school," and is still carefully made one by one by the graduates of the Kurashiki Hand-dyed Weaving Research Institute.
Starting with "Kurashiki Knotting," an exhibition showcasing works dyed and spun by the graduates will be held at the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft from October 29 (Tuesday), 2024. We will deliver the atmosphere of the venue filled with excitement from both the creators and users during this once-a-year event where you can welcome one of your favorite pieces into your home.
What is the Kurashiki Hand-dyed Weaving Association?
The Kurashiki Hand-dyed Weaving Research Institute was established in 1953 as a craft research institute affiliated with the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft by the late Yoshinosuke Tonemura, and it continues to teach hand weaving, hand spinning, and natural dyeing techniques to women over the age of 18 for one year every year.
The works are not for appreciation but are items made for personal use or requested by friends and neighbors. They are all examples of the beauty of health and humility, known as "mingei."
"Kurashiki Knotting" is one of the representative works and is also the first piece created by students of the Kurashiki Hand-dyed Weaving Research Institute. The distinctive patterns have been passed down through generations, and their durable construction, which does not wear out even after decades, is one of its attractions.
The Kurashiki Hand-dyed Weaving Association, composed of students and graduates of the Kurashiki Hand-dyed Weaving Research Institute, is hosting this exhibition. The members of this association weave works all over the country and take the opportunity of the exhibitions held several times a year to showcase their work, share the hardships of their craft, and further study their techniques.
Kurashiki Hand-dyed Weaving Association Exhibition
The Kurashiki Hand-dyed Weaving Exhibition has been held every year at the end of autumn since the establishment of the Kurashiki Hand-dyed Weaving Research Institute.
In 2024, it will be held from October 29 (Tuesday) to November 4 (Monday) for about a week, from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM (until 3:00 PM on the last day) at the special gallery of the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft.
I visited the venue on the afternoon of the first day, so I will report on the situation.
Photography is prohibited inside the venue, but this time we have received special permission to take photos.
If you have a specific piece in mind, it's recommended to arrive early
Among the customers who look forward to this exhibition every year, there are those who are eager, saying, "This year, I will welcome this piece!" and it seems that customers tend to concentrate in the morning of the first day.
Even around 2 PM on the first day when I visited for coverage, customers were continuously arriving at the venue, filled with energy and excitement.
Living in Kurashiki, I often see "Kurashiki Knotting" in stores that handle folk crafts. However, it was my first time seeing the works displayed all over the walls like in this venue.
According to Rieko Ishigami from the Kurashiki Hand-dyed Weaving Research Institute, the only time works are displayed and sold on such a large scale is during the exhibition held once a year at the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft.
The Kurashiki Hand-dyed Weaving Association Exhibition does not have any changes in the works during the exhibition period, so if you have a specific piece in mind, I recommend arriving early.
Many small items that can be easily incorporated into daily life are also on display
Most "Kurashiki Knotting" pieces are priced around 20,000 yen.
Therefore, there may be people who want to incorporate them into their lives but find it difficult to do so. I am one of them, always gazing at them in admiration and thinking, "Someday, I want one in my home..." as I leave the venue.
However, this time, many small items such as stoles, brooches, and coasters other than "Kurashiki Knotting" are also exhibited.
There are also items at more affordable prices, so it seems easy to incorporate them into daily life.
A venue filled with smiles from both creators and users
What was most impressive at the venue was that both the staff and customers were filled with smiles.
The staff at the register and elsewhere are all members of the Kurashiki Hand-dyed Weaving Association. In other words, they are the creators of the works.
After gathering from all over the country to complete a year of study at the Kurashiki Hand-dyed Weaving Research Institute, the creators return to their respective lives. Each of them dyes threads, weaves, and creates works, so this exhibition is also an opportunity for the creators to meet each other once a year.
Seeing the happy expressions of the creators as they send off users (customers) who enjoy chatting with their friends while bringing the works they made to the register. The expressions of the creators who are delighted to meet their desired pieces.
Both were shining, and the venue was enveloped in a warm atmosphere.
Conclusion
The fabrics dyed with natural dyes and woven on hand looms are all handmade, so mass production is not possible. That is why being able to see various works at an exhibition like this is truly a precious and luxurious time.
Admission is free, so if you want to see and touch "Kurashiki Knotting" in person, or experience the wisdom, joy, and responsibility of creating things, why not visit the Kurashiki Hand-dyed Weaving Association Exhibition?
Data on the Kurashiki Hand-dyed Weaving Association Exhibition
| Name | Kurashiki Hand-dyed Weaving Association Exhibition |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-4-11 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-422-1541 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | October 29 (Tuesday) to November 4 (Monday), 2024 |
| Payment Methods |
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| Website | Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft Website |
