The critical biography " Shimura Fukumi: Dyeing and Weaving" (written by Furusawa Yukiko) , published by Kyuryudo on November 10th, is now on sale at the Kyoto flagship store, Seijo, Tokyo, and online store.

This book is a significantly expanded version of the newspaper serial "Witness to the Times," which is a compilation of long interviews with Shimura Fukumi.
The book covers her fateful encounter with her mother and brother, whom she separated from at a young age; her path in weaving, encouraged by Yanagi Muneyoshi, who advocated the folk art movement; and her thoughts on plant dyeing, which she describes as "receiving the colors of life" from plants. This is the first full-scale critical biography of 97-year-old Shimura Fukumi, which explores her journey from the Taisho to Reiwa eras and the source of her creative activities, which are said to have enhanced the artistic value of tsumugi weaving. It also includes her interactions with writer Ishimure Michiko over the performance of her new Noh play "Okimiya," and her recent efforts to establish the art school "Ars Shimura" in Kyoto with her eldest daughter, dyeing and weaving artist Shimura Yoko, to convey the value of handicrafts in a new way. It also contains many valuable photographs and documents. Written by Furusawa Yukiko, editorial committee member of the Yomiuri Shimbun. Shimura Fukumi's powerful words will resonate with people of all ages, making this a must-read book.

Publisher: Kyuryudo
Release date: November 10, 2021
Size: 188 x 130 mm, hardback, 336 pages (103 illustrations)
Sales price: 3,300 yen (tax included) *Shipping fee will be charged separately.

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