Weaving connections in Japan

Rachel: "Arriving in Tokyo Japan to study Kasuri weaving at Kawashima Textile School was the manifestation of a long held research dream."

As a textile practitioner, traditional Japanese textile weaving, materials, and processes, specifically Kasuri weaving, Shibori and indigo dyeing, have always been an inspiration to me. Arriving in Tokyo Japan to study Kasuri weaving at Kawashima Textile School was the manifestation of a long held research dream.

Kawashima Textile School is situated about twenty minutes by train ride north from Kyoto city and is a well known vocational institution that specialises in customary and modern weaving.

The building was founded in 1973 by Kawashima Textile Manufacturers Ltd to commemorate the 130th year anniversary of the company.

This school is one of the oldest and venerated academic institutions in greater Asia.

The beautiful mountains and rich biodiversity of Ichihara, together with the cultural exchanges with both Japanese and international weaving community, underscores why public interest in attending the full immersion Kawashima Textile School weaving programme is so high.

A kasuri wrap (left) and looms in Kawashima Textile School

I was living and attending classes at the school for sixty four days. During this time I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about Japanese culture, exchange ideas, share experiences, and make lifelong connections with other like-minded weavers and practitioners.

For me, it was such an honour to share thoughts and gain new knowledge from the multi-talented student group and tutors. The depth and breadth of knowledge gained as a direct result of the tuition was an exceptional experience.

The commitment to cultivating and sharing Japanese textile traditions and culture at Kawashima Textile School is a gift I will cherish for many years to come.

Japan has a rich history and a worldwide reputation for magnificent Kasuri (described as the Japanese Ikat weaving). My time at the school was dedicated to learning to apply this particular textile process.

The Kasuri-Ikat approach is where pattern can be created within the finished cloth by binding and dyeing lengths of yarn, the warp and weft before weaving.

This effect leaves blurred lines of colour that create beautiful rhythms and textures within the textile composition.

Rachel: "In Japan, I often found myself internalising the Japanese natural and urban environment as inspiration in future work."

Arriving in Tokyo Japan to study Kasuri weaving at Kawashima Textile School was the manifestation of a long held research dream. in order to represent aspects of te taiao ‘natural environment’ that I encounter in Aotearoa.

In Japan, I often found myself internalising the Japanese natural and urban environment as inspiration in future work.

Sharing these thoughts and inspirations with Japanese textile practitioners, I discovered that they too share a close and intimate relationship with their surroundings and the natural world.

Their connection to the natural world was also evident to me in the way life is approached in a conscious, thoughtful, and mindful way where every aspect of making was carefully considered and perfected over time, which gave deep integrity to each step of the weaving process.

Visiting Jun Tomita at the village in Koshihata, a remote area northwest of Kyoto city in the mountains, was also an inspirational and uplifting experience.

Tomita is a highly regarded kasuri artist. He has dedicated his long career to establishing and maintaining a weaving community, whereby all members can share their love for weaving and dyeing (and remote living) in Japan.

The village has an incredible studio that is a converted glasshouse set in a bamboo forest, a gallery and workshop studio and they also accommodate residencies. It was an honour to experience this visionary and creative space, and to connect with Tomita and other members of the textile community.

One particular highlight was learning about his approach to Kasuri and weaving, experiencing his Kasuri obi weaves, and appreciating his artistry on the loom.

Tomita also spent time with us and talked about his weaving contemporaries and inspirations.

This was a particularly special opportunity to hear from Tomita himself, to hear him talk about his life and experiences with other Japanese artists.

This gave me a deeper understanding of the concepts and methodologies behind his work and his generation of makers.

Rachel: "

For me, this was a very surreal and inspirational time that has enriched my understanding of their textile practices - which will enable me to better understand my work on a deeper level.

Travelling to Japan to experience a full immersion Kasuri weaving course at Kawashima Textile School and cultivating relationships within the Japanese textile community with help from Asia New Zealand is an opportunity that I will be forever grateful for.

The understanding of Japanese culture and the professional and personal connections I have made along with the exceptional research has undoubtedly changed and expanded my textile practice in the most wonderful way.

Trying to articulate the far-reaching implications of undertaking this research journey is very difficult to put into words.

Suffice to say, I feel confident that my work, process, and knowledge of traditional Japanese textiles as a result of my experiences at Kawashima Textile School is completely changed for the better.

 The Foundation's Arts Programme brings Asia into the mainstream of New Zealand arts by inspiring New Zealand arts professionals to grow their connections and knowledge of Asia. It also supports the presentation of Asian arts in partnership with New Zealand arts organisations and events.

Our Arts Practitioners Fund provides support for experiential opportunities for individual New Zealand-based arts practitioners to deepen artistic and professional connections with Asia, including residencies, work placements, research tours and exchanges.