High in the Yanbaru Forest, the Sango Kaku leaves fall… yes, the colorful maple leaves fall… on my scarf they do fall… My Yanbaru scarf now lives downunder…sold at the National Wool Museum Geelong, Australia exhibition hall…a new home where my Sango Kaku leaves now fall…
Tag Archives: Ryukyu Views
July 30, 2013 Ryukyu Shimpo – Ryukyu Textiles Workshop in the News
There are some nice photos of our 2013 Wakamono Taikai Conference participants reported in the July 30, 2013 Okinawa Ryukyu Shimpo newspaper… Yes, we even have a nice photo of our Ryukyu Textiles Workshop participants. Thank you Ryukyu Shimpo, and many thanks to the participants in my Ryukyu textiles workshop! It was an honour toContinue reading “July 30, 2013 Ryukyu Shimpo – Ryukyu Textiles Workshop in the News”
These Bashofu Threads…
I’ve been spinning and winding these bashofu threads, and as I do, my mind spins and wanders too… What shall these bashofu threads be? A book cover, or tapestry? Or perhaps a cherished cloth for my family? These bashofu threads, once dyed and handwoven will tell a story. Like these vintage kimonos, they will documentContinue reading “These Bashofu Threads…”
Bingata and the Okinawa Rail
The Yanbaru Kuina, or the Okinawa Rail (Gallirallus okinawae), is a beautiful bird endemic to Okinawa Island. It is an unusual bird in that it is almost flightless. Since the Yanbaru Kuina is an endangered species, i have worked to incorporate it into my bingata artwork as a reminder for us to cherish our naturalContinue reading “Bingata and the Okinawa Rail”
Ryukyu Bingata Kimono
Traditional Ryukyu kimonos are constructed of handwoven fabric with bingata natural dye designs. The underlying fabric is also handwoven, however the weave structure differs and consists of the Kasuri Ikat style. A Hanagasa (lotus flower hat) is typically worn with the traditional bingata kimono as seen on these Ryukyu dancers… As you can see, theContinue reading “Ryukyu Bingata Kimono”
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”
Shisa
The Shisa is a figure with a lion’s head and a dog’s body, and they are found throughout the Ryukyu Islands. This traditional guardian can be seen on rooftops where it is believed to protect its inhabitants. When Shisa are presented in pairs, one has its mouth open to scare off evil spirits. Whereas theContinue reading “Shisa”
Ryukyu Views…Motobu Shore View…
I went to the Motobu shore on Okinawa Honto (Island) with my family. I enjoyed the view…do you like the view too?
Picnic Views…
My Oba (Aunt) likes to take us on picnics. She packs our lunch in Ryukyuan lacquerware. Ryukyuan lacquerware, just as with Ryukyuan textiles, have a distinct style different from that of surrounding cultures. Though distinct in its own way by the use of Ryukyuan artistic motifs, it is influenced by Chinese, Japanese and Southeast AsianContinue reading “Picnic Views…”
Basho Spinning…it’s a challenge for me!
I’m still learning to spin Ito Basho threads on my basho spinning wheel…it’s a challenge for me! However, the spinners at Sensei Taira’s weaving studio…well, they spin beautifully!
Scharine Kirchoff, Fiber Artist 