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Decorative Designs of Ainu

  • Image of "Apron, Cotton, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, on exhibit through February 15, 2009)"

    Apron, Cotton, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, on exhibit through February 15, 2009)

    Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 15
    January 6, 2009 (Tue) - March 29, 2009 (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 (conveyer 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.
 Apron, Cotton, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, on exhibit through February 15, 2009)
Box, Sakhalin Nivx, 19th century (Gift of Mr.Tokugawa Yorisada, on exhibit through February 15, 2009)
Makiri knife mounting, 19th century (Gift of the Hokkaido Administration Office)
Container, Reindeer leather, Sakhalin Wilta, 19th century (Gift of Mr.Tokugawa Yorisada, on exhibit through February 15, 2009)
Exhibitions