Author Archives: Ryukyu Heritage Textiles

The scarf…”an artistic and lovingly crafted art form”…

The scarf…once “a modest winter knit”, but now “an artistic and lovingly crafted art form”…you can see for yourself at the “Rhythm of Life” exhibit which opens today at the National Wool Museum in Geelong, Australia. While you’re there, please do take a peek at my silk scarf on display along with the works ofContinue reading “The scarf…”an artistic and lovingly crafted art form”…”

Bashofu Weaving

Records indicate that Bashofu weaving existed in the Ryukyu Islands as far back as the 1500’s… The earliest written evidence is dated 1546 from Pak Son, a shipwrecked Korean who reached the Ryukyus in 1542 where he stayed for four years before returning to Korea.  Pak Son wrote the following: “The larger trees are theContinue reading “Bashofu Weaving”

Spinning the Fibers of the Ryukyus

Oh, lucky me!  Recently, i attended the Contemporary Handweavers of Texas (CHT) Conference held in College Station, Texas USA.  At the Conference, i participated in a 2 day bast and luxury fiber spinning class…Flax, Hemp, Ramie, Bamboo….and, ooohhh so lovely, Tussah Silk. Our instructor was Patsy Zawistoski.  Patsy is a master handspinner in the United States.Continue reading “Spinning the Fibers of the Ryukyus”

I am a Happy Gardener…

The heat and humidity have arrived in Houston, TX USA, and the weather feels just like summer in Okinawa.  At least a month has passed since i first started tilling and enriching my Ryukyu garden bed. So, this week i decided that it’s time…time to plant my Ito Basho seeds…i am a happy gardener… ItoContinue reading “I am a Happy Gardener…”

Exhibition: the “Rhythm of Life”…Geelong, Australia

Oh happy day!  One of my handwoven silk scarves will be on display in the “Rhythm of Life” exhibit at the National Wool Museum in Geelong, Australia, June 24-August 21, 2011.  You’re welcome to attend the launch on Friday, June 24…oh, and don’t forget to wear a scarf! “Rhythm of Life” Exhibit – Opening Night,Continue reading “Exhibition: the “Rhythm of Life”…Geelong, Australia”

Awamori

Awamori is an ancient alcoholic beverage indigenous to Okinawa.  It is distilled from rice.  The awamori distillation process originates from Thailand.  It is different from sake, mainland Japan’s indigenous drink. Sake is brewed, and not distilled.  In addition, Sake is made from short-grain Japonica rice.  Awamori, on the other hand, is made from long-grain indicaContinue reading “Awamori”