Again continuing my adventure at the International 11th International Shibori Symposium, 2018, on Monday June 25 we traveled to Kyoto via train, where we briefly explored the compelling contemporary architecture of the Kyoto train station. It seems that many contemporary architects take visual risks to create sculptural buildings in Japan. After that, we traveled by bus to Kitano Shrine monthly market on this very hot day. Some bought vintage kimono and other things. Others bought green tea ice cream and more than one bottle of water. Then, we visited the Nishijin Textile Center, where a kimono show showcased contemporary kimono made by the factory and a loom was in operation for visitors to see.
Contemporary Yukata for summer in the Kyoto Train Station
Above and below: Nishijin Textile Center, with contemporary cloth shibori designed by Hosotsuji Ihee, hereditary owner of Eirakuya, Japan’s oldest cotton fabric business (400 years), who started its first storefront, and hosts solo exhibitions.
On Tuesday June 26, we started at Ryoanji Temple (above), with its famous Zen garden and other beautiful gardens. Arriving early allowed us to avoid crowds. The screens and other sumi screens were outstanding. We also visited the Ginkakuji Temple, a heritage site that’s archtypically Japanese for western eyes. Near “Philosophers Row”, with all its cherry trees, we ate a “monks lunch” at Daikakuji Temple, consisting of all vegetarian delicacies and taste treats served Japanese style at low tables. After that, we moved on to visiting whichever stores in Kyoto we were able to manage in 4 hours. Moving as a group via taxi proved challenging, but we visited galleries, supply stores as well as boutiques by the contemporary designer Sou Sou. A traditional dinner in Pontocho followed.
A man sketches, above. And a fashion shoot below.
The famous Philospher’s Walk, with its cherry blossoms in spring.
Above, Monk’s Food Lunch at Daikakuji Temple. Below, ancient trees at the Imperial Palace.
Wednesday June 27, we left Kyoto for the Miho Museum via the artist studio HeieDaira, a private home studio of a well-known textile designer whose home inspired us. The Miho Museum features antiquities from around the world in a monumental structure designed by I. M. Pei, housing the collection of the Shumato family. We had also started our day visiting a wonderful exhibition of weavings by Fukumoto Shihoko, a colleague of Yoshiko Wada’s from her days at design school and herself a very well respected artist. That evening we returned to Nagoya.
Visiting the lovely HieieDaira artist studio. In the tradition of Japanese hospitality and welcome, she makes tea for all of us. We feel gratitude.
Miho Museum
On the road to Tokyo.
