TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM Thematic Exhibition Decorative Designs of the Ainu People

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	Date : July 29, 2010 Valid until : April 4, 2010

Decorative Designs of the Ainu People

Room 15, Honkan

Tuesday, January 5 - Sunday, April 4, 2010

Tray, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)

This display features elaborate designs the Ainu people used to decorate their garments and daily utensils. Garment designs were rendered from pieces of cotton cloth and dyed embroidery. Wooden objects such as trays, makiri knife mountings and tobacco cases were decorated with minutely carved patterns. Women decorated using cloth and needles, and men engraved designs with makiri knives. The Ainu designs featured include whorl patterns called morew and brace-like patterns known as ayus.

The Ainu people held rituals and dances wearing garments and holding objects decorated with these designs.

Major works in this exhibition

* Works listed below are in the TNM Collection unless otherwise indicated.
Apron,Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Ms. Hirako Hatsu, on exhibit through February 14, 2010)
Coat, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (on exhibit from February 16, 2010)
Reed, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Makiri Knife Mounting, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century
Tray, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Tray, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Transferred from the Agency for International Expositions)