Atelier Shimura Special Exhibition "Learning about Showa Village's Karamushi - Handicrafts that Spread Life"
Karamushi weaving conveys an ancient history. Durable, breathable, and with a beautiful luster, the fabric has long been beloved as a high-quality summer kimono. Karamushi weaving is made through a long and delicate process, involving growing the karamushi plant, spinning each strand of fiber into a single piece of cloth, and weaving it into a single piece of cloth. This meticulous handiwork continues to this day in Showa Village, Oku-Aizu, Fukushima Prefecture. In 1994, the Karamushi Weaving Experience Program was launched, inviting young people from around the country who are interested in karamushi weaving to become "Orihime" and "Hikoboshi," and to foster successors. Not only the techniques, but also the history and culture behind the weaving are carefully preserved and passed on to the next generation.
The special exhibition "Learning about Ramie in Showa Village - Handicrafts that Spread Life" will display precious threads, tools that have been used since ancient times, and actual woven fabrics. By seeing and touching the texture, you will be able to fully experience the charm of Ramie and the warmth of handicrafts.
Date and time: September 5th (Fri) - September 15th (Mon, national holiday) Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays
Venue: Atelier Shimura Gallery & School, Setagaya, Tokyo
6-17-7 Soshigaya, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Inquiries: tel:03-6411-1215 email: info@ateliershimura.co.jp
Special exhibition related events
▪️Gallery Talk "Talking about the current state of Karamushi"
We will hear from these two people involved in the art of karamushi, a tradition that has continued in Showa Village since ancient times, about the current state of life through handicrafts. Please come to the venue and hear what they have to say.
Speaker: Tamiko Honma (Oku-Aizu Showa Village Promotion Corporation)
Eriko Yamauchi (Former student of monderico Karamushi weaving)
Interviewer: Masashi Shimura (CEO of Atelier Shimura)
Date and time: September 6th (Sat) 16:30-17:30 / September 7th (Sun) 11:00-12:00
Venue: Atelier Shimura Gallery & School, Setagaya, Tokyo
Participation fee: Free
Click here to apply for the 6th
Apply for the 7th here
▪️Screening of the film "Voice of the Caterpillar" We will be screening "Voice of the Caterpillar," a documentary film that follows the activities of caterpillar weaving in Showa Village. This is an opportunity to experience how this quiet handicraft, which lives on in Oku-Aizu, is being passed down in the natural surroundings of Showa Village.
"Voice of the Caterpillar" 2019 / 92 minutes https://karamushinokoe.info/
Date and time: September 7th (Sun) and 13th (Sat) 16:30-18:00 each day
Venue: Atelier Shimura Gallery & School, Setagaya, Tokyo Participation fee: Free
Apply here
▪️Yarn spinning demonstration
"Thread plying" is the process of splitting the ramie fibers into small pieces and joining them together to make thread . You can actually see it at the venue.
Date and time: September 13th (Saturday), 14th (Sunday), 15th (Monday/holiday) 13:00-16:00
Venue: Atelier Shimura Gallery & School, Setagaya, Tokyo
*Reservations are not required.
▪️Special talk streamed online
We will be streaming a special discussion between philosopher Takashi Kurata and Atelier Shimura representative Masashi Shimura, as well as a talk event with people involved with Karamushi in Showa Village on YouTube.
・Takashi Kurata (Philosopher) x Masashi Shimura : Thinking about handicrafts - Taking inspiration from the ramie weaving of Showa Village
・
Takanori Nemoto (Industry and Construction Division, Karamushi Promotion Section)
About Showa Village's Orihime Training Program
・Ms. Tamiko Honma (Oku-Aizu Showa Village Promotion Corporation)
Eriko Yamauchi (Former student of monderico Karamushi weaving)
Talking about the current state of Karamushi
