[PressRelease]Itoshiro Hinaya to Demonstrate "Tatsuke" Cutting at "Art Without Heroes: Mingei," the UK's Largest Exhibition Dedicated to Japanese Folk Crafts
〜Praised as “impressed by Japan’s traditional straight-cut patterns”〜
Cutting demonstration
Itoshiro Yohinten continues to create products every day in Itoshiro, Gifu Prefecture, a small mountain village at an altitude of 700 meters that has existed since the Jomon period. We aim to pass on the "beauty of utility" and "beauty of form" of traditional straight-cut clothing, which uses almost no wasted fabric and has been handed down for agricultural work, as well as the spirit residing within it, to the next generation. The wisdom of making clothes with straight cuts that produce no scraps was once widespread in rural Japan, but it disappeared with the advent of Western clothing and is now rarely passed down. Itoshiro Yohinten is working to revive and spread this ancient Japanese wisdom.
This time, Itoshiro Yohinten products have been featured as an eco-conscious brand symbolizing contemporary Mingei at "Art Without Heroes Mingei," the largest exhibition of folk art in British history. As part of an exhibition event on August 29, Itoshiro Yohinten held a demonstration showcasing the cutting of "Tatsuke," traditional folk clothing made only with straight cuts and seams. The demonstration was held in a hall adjacent to the exhibition space and was attended by 20 to 25 British people and Japanese residents in the UK.
Feedback from participants included:
"I sympathize with how things passed down in the Itoshiro region are being learned and created by grandmothers."
"I became interested in the mountain region of Itoshiro itself."
"The cutting pattern is completely different from Western trousers, very efficient and wonderful."
"I was impressed by the Japanese traditional straight-cut pattern concept."
These were some of the positive comments received.
"Art Without Heroes Mingei," the largest exhibition in British history dedicated to folk art, held at the William Morris Gallery, a museum dedicated to the life and work of William Morris, a British Arts and Crafts designer and early socialist, explores the theme of "Three Generations of Mingei." It introduces 19th-century influences on Soetsu Yanagi and his companions, the 20th century when the Mingei movement flourished through Shoji Hamada and Kanjiro Kawai, cultivating the foundations of folk art, and 21st-century brands that reinterpret the core values of Mingei in a contemporary way while questioning its current state.
Itoshiro Yohinten is featured in the 21st-century section as an eco-conscious brand symbolizing contemporary Mingei. This exhibition highlights the principles of Mingei, including environmentally conscious sustainability, careful and slow craftsmanship, natural materials and traditional techniques, responsibility and connection to the community, and anonymous craftsmanship. We are deeply honored that Itoshiro Yohinten was chosen for this, and to have held such an event.
This event has shown the high level of interest from international audiences. We aim to continue spreading the concept and clothing of "Tatsuke" both in Japan and abroad.
*A talk event titled "Where Tatsuke and Mingei Intersect," including a report on the London exhibition and demonstration, will be held on September 28 at Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan in Ikebukuro, Tokyo.
(Reservations required) https://ftomo-itoshiro2.peatix.com/
【Exhibition Overview】
Dates: March 23 - September 22
Venue: William Morris Gallery
Lloyd Park House, London E17 4PP. To navigate, press the arrow keys.
Admission: Free
Itoshiro Yohinten is also featured in the official guidebook for this exhibition. Please make reservations and purchases via this URL.
■About Itoshiro Yohinten
Itoshiro Yohinten revives traditional workwear (Tatsuke), which has been handed down since the Jomon period in the small village of Itoshiro in Okumino, Gifu Prefecture, and creates clothing with designs suited to modern lifestyles. We also collect local plants, dye fabrics with plants and indigo, and are committed to making clothing using natural materials. Our efforts in regional revitalization through craftsmanship have been recognized, and we received the semi-grand prize at the 12th Regional Revitalization Award sponsored by Kyodo News and others. Instagram
【Upcoming Domestic Exhibitions/Talk Events】
Itoshiro Yohinten Exhibition
Dates: September 27 (Fri) - 29 (Sun), 2024, 11:00 - 18:00
Venue: Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan Fujin-no-Tomo Exhibition Room
