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Decorative Designs of the Ainu People

  • Image of "Coat, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (on exhibit through February 13, 2011)"

    Coat, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (on exhibit through February 13, 2011)

    Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 15
    January 2, 2011 (Sun) - April 3, 2011 (Sun)

    This display focuses on the elaborate designs used by the Ainu people to decorate their garments and daily utensils. Garment designs were rendered with 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.
Tray, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Coat, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (on exhibit through February 13, 2011)
Hood, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Transferred from the Agency for International Expositions, on exhibit through February 13, 2011)
Trays, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Sairu of Toyosha Company)
Ritual Quiver, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Exhibitions