japonisme: surface design

for centuries, japan has been associated with a rich textile tradition. some of my favorite techniques are layering, pleating and resist-dyeing. 

a method i've personally tried is arashi shibori also known as pole-wrapping shibori. it's a lot of work, but worth it. a long hollow pvc tube is needed, which is not something one normally keeps around the house. it's also cumbersome to store if one lives in a studio apartment with limited closet space. 

mine was acquired when we didn't have a car and were living in chicago. g. still reminds me of the time he attempted to board a rush hour chicago bus with one of these that he picked up from home depot. naturally, the driver wouldn't let him board, which led to a 2 mile walk home. 

g. if you're reading this, i love you for putting up with my diversions. 

by wrapping fabric around this tube using string and tape, the fabric is then scrunched together and dyes are applied. an endless array of stripes and pleats are possible.

i also tried my hand at board clamping (itajime). these examples (and the ones above) are from shibori: the inventive art of japanese shaped resist dyeing.  

if these images have inspired you to try shibori, these are some great resources:

shibori: the inventive art of japanese shaped resist dyeing
shibori: creating color & texture on silk 


wrapping up this post, below are examples of contemporary japanese textiles from an exhibit at the MoMA in 1998.



screenprinted and flash heated polyester

machine pleated and manually compressed polyester

nylon stitched onto soluble base fabric that is then dissolved

reverse side of a jacquard double weave made of wool and washi paper

japonisme: paper

looking back at what i'm drawn to and what inspires me,  i see there are influences that have stood the test of time. one is japanese design and culture. since this blog is a place for me to document what i find beautiful in the world, i thought i'd spend a few posts devoted to my love affair with japonisme, starting with paper.

repetitive designs of small dense patterns have always fascinated me, so it's no wonder that i love chiyogami.

two of my favorite places to find these beautiful papers are paper mojo and shepherds falkiners. what i especially love about falkiners's site is that it allows you to add things to a wish list. it's been at least 4 months since my last visit, but they still had my list safe and sound. i'm familiar with persistent shopping carts, but this is fabulous. another resource is japanese paper place, but be prepared to spend hours there, if you like this sort of thing.

 chrysanthemums – always a favorite. 

are there any persistent styles, art, people, or places that have inspired you and lasted over the years? feel free to share this in the comments and stay tuned for part 2.

image credits: palace garden by nelson hancock at james sansum; paper mojo; shepherds falkiners; japanese paper place