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Mikawa Cotton Stripes

Exhibition / Installation

Partner Programme

21 — 22 Sept 2024

Fashion & Textiles, Art / Collectibles

Hundred Years Gallery

13 Pearson Street London

London

E2 8JD

For 1200 years, Mikawa in Aichi Prefecture has been the home of Japanese cotton culture. Now, its artisans strive to preserve these exquisite textiles. Young creatives are reviving Edo and Meiji designs, highlighting Mikawa Cotton’s timeless value – shown via this exclusive event where tradition meets innovation.

ーResurrecting a 1,200-Year History from the "Birthplace of Japanese Cotton Culture" ー Step into a world where tradition meets innovation. Approximately 1200 years ago, cotton culture was introduced to Japan, marking the birth of a vibrant textile tradition in the Mikawa region of Aichi Prefecture. Known as the "Birthplace of Japanese Cotton Culture," this area has developed unique fabrics with a gentle texture and vibrant colours, famously known as "Mikawa Cotton" and "Mikawa Stripes."  Today, these exquisite textiles face the threat of extinction due to the rise of foreign fast fashion and mass-produced cheap fabrics. Determined to share the beauty and craftsmanship of Mikawa Cotton with the world, master hand-weaver Toshiyasu Suzuki has created a stunning new Mikawa Stripes collection. Directed by Kumiko Tani from Re-cycle-Style, who works in both UK and Japan, this latest creation will be showcased in London.  Witness dancers draped in "old yet new Mikawa Cotton" as they perform throughout London, weaving the present, past, and future of Japanese culture into every movement.  Moreover, young textile producers in Mikawa have revisited the sophisticated designs and materials of Mikawa Cotton and Mikawa Stripes from the Edo and Meiji periods. Inspired by the timeless beauty of these historical fabrics, they have updated and revived the old Mikawa Cotton for the 21st century, aiming to reassert its value through contemporary art.  Join us in celebrating the unique heritage and innovative spirit of Mikawa Cotton. This exhibition will not only showcase these revived works but also highlight the ongoing efforts to preserve and elevate this extraordinary textile tradition. Revived the old Mikawa Cotton Stripes by Master weaver Toshiyasu Suzuki and MORIKIKU.CO.LTD Directed by Kumiko Tani (Re-cycle-Style) At * Hundred Years Gallery 13 Pearson Street London E2 8JD http://hundredyearsgallery.co.uk/ Date* Sat 21st /Sun 22nd Sep 2024 21st 16:00-22:30 (PV and Performance start at 18:30) 2nd 12:30-18:30 About Performance on 21st Sep at the PV (start from about 18:30) Performance by Yuko Kaseki (Cokaseki) /Mirei Yazawa/Mai Nguwin Tri Live music by Marco Florio (Sound Salvej) Visual Art by Kira Zhigalina Costume by KumikoTani (Re-cycle-Style) Headpiece by Yuki Sato (Fruits Parlour) Accessory by Mystic Forms (They will launch the new collection at PV)