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Sashiko
& Kusudama by Gregory Musick
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| Sashiko:
There are no real records of the origins of Sashiko as this form of quilting stitch was born of necessity, used and worn out. Very few examples of early work remain. Decorative Sashiko may have begun as someone repaired clothing, economically using undyed thread on dark indigo cloth and realizing the decorative possibilities in the stitches. Sashiko evolved as a rural domestic craft during the Edo era (1615-1868) mostly in northern farming communities. |
(Photo Courtesy of Gregory Musick) |
| Traditional
Sashiko is usually indigo and white (white on blue or blue on white)
This characteristic look was a response to Edo era sumptuary laws
which prohibited the lower classes from wearing brightly colored clothing
or large patterns. Farmers, fisherman and laborers could only wear
blue or grey colors with patterns no larger than a grain of rice and no thicker than a straw. The use of indigo plants for an affordable dye and white cotton thread for quilting hard working people's clothes fit the bill. |
(Photo taken @ Aki Matsuri 2007) |
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Kusudama: Kusudama roughly translates as "medicine ball" and is a form of three dimensional origami first made popular in the royal courts of the Edo era. The original forms were hollow and filled with fragrant herbs and grasses. These were hung from house beams indoors to ward off insects and disease in the muggy summer months. Their construction is from multiple units of folded paper assembled to create a three imensional form. Today, they are very popular as Christmas ornaments, new house gifts and doorway decoration. Many, many different types of folds and forms have been and are still being created. Artist: Gregory Musick has been interested in Japanese culture and art for as long as he can remember. He has been making things from paper and cloth for over forty years. He uses old farmers' kasuri, yukata, indigo dyed cotton, Chiyogami and yuzen papers, antique kimono scraps, bunka thread and anything else that might catch his eye in his creations. His work can be seen in the Oregon Japanese Garden Gift Shop, the Northwest Craft Center at the Seattle Center, the Ayame Kai Craft Guild and the annual Seattle Sampling Holiday Craft Show. He is very happy and excited to be asked to participate in Aki Matsuri. Contact: Verdantius@hotmail.com |
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