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Decorative Designs of Ainu

  • Image of "Coat, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Transferred from the Agency for International Expositions, on exhibit through February 17, 2008)"

    Coat, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Transferred from the Agency for International Expositions, on exhibit through February 17, 2008)

    Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 15
    January 2, 2008 (Wed) - March 30, 2008 (Sun)

    This display features elaborate designs which Ainu people used to decorate their garments and daily utensils. Designs on garments were rendered in threaded cotton cloth appliqué and colored embroidery. Wooden objects such as trays, Iku-pasui (conveneyer of wine and prayer to god), and tobacco cases are decorated with minute engraved patterns. Women decorated using cloth and needles, and men engraved designs with makiri knives. The Ainu designs include whirl patterns called morew and brace-like patterns known as ayus. When the Ainu people held rituals and dances wearing garments and holding objects with these designs, their movements must have looked fabulous.

 Major works in this exhibition

* Works listed below are in the TNM Collection unless otherwise indicated.
 Coat, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Transferred from the Agency for International Expositions, on exhibit through February 17, 2008)
Box, Sakhalin Nivx, 19th century (Gift of Mr.Tokugawa Yorisada, on exhibit from February 19, 2008)
Spoon, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Ms.Hirako Hatsu)
Smoking Set, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Bowls, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Transferred from the Agency for International Expositions)
Exhibitions