Tobacco Case, Sakhalin Ainu, 19th century
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 16
December 20, 2016 (Tue) - March 20, 2017 (Mon)
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 ritual quivers 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.
Current exhibit includes:
Apron, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Ms. Hirako Hatsu, On exhibit through February 5, 2017)
Necklace, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of the Ogura Foundation)
Tobacco Case, Sakhalin Ainu, 19th century
Tray, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Ritual Quiver, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century