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A Step Forward for Japanese Women
THE LAST SPARK OF CRAFTSMANSHIP

A Step Forward for Japanese Women: THE LAST SPARK OF CRAFTSMANSHIP

  • A STep FOrward FOr JAPANESE WOMEN

    ONLINE EXHIBITION

  • Press Release:
    Press Release:

     

     

    This exhibition brings together a collection of works that were carried or worn by women of the Taisho Era (1912-1926). They are personal everyday items, ranging from small cases and clutch bags to hair ornaments. The works demonstrate the intricacy and high level of craftsmanship around this period. Many of these crafts soon disappeared and the era is considered as the last spark of their brilliance. 

  • The works in this exhibition reflect the exquisite craftsmanship that resulted from this small, but meaningful step forward. During the...

     

    The works in this exhibition reflect the exquisite craftsmanship that resulted from this small, but meaningful step forward. 

     

    During the beginning of the 20th century, the society was experiencing a dramatic transformation. Feudalism was gone and urbanization continued at a rapid pace. Public transportation, radio, magazines, department stores, and corporations were born. The middle class thrived as trade and commerce reached new heights.

  • It was a time when women started to find themselves as individuals, instead of seeing them as fulfilling roles of...

     

    It was a time when women started to find themselves as individuals, instead of seeing them as fulfilling roles of “daughter”, “wife”, and “mother”. Leading up to the Taisho Era, women that stayed inside their homes, now had unprecedented opportunities to go on outings and form connections with others independently. Through these new activities they developed a sense of competition amongst themselves, flaunting their best attire and accessories at these events. 

     

  • It was by no means a monumental awakening for society with regards to gender equality. Concepts of women’s rights and...

     

    It was by no means a monumental awakening for society with regards to gender equality. Concepts of women’s rights and universal suffrage had begun to trickle in among well educated women, but for most, it was a rather insignificant and primitive realization of competition and status. The works in this exhibition reflect the exquisite craftsmanship that resulted from this small, but meaningful step forward.  How far we have come! 

  • T H E   L A S T   S P A R K   O F   C R A F T M A N S H I P

  • Works in Exhibition:

    • artisan's name unknown, Obidome (ornament for kimono) , Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      artisan's name unknown, Obidome (ornament for kimono) , Taisho Era (1912-1926)
    • artisan's name unknown, Small Case with Light Blue Lining, Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      artisan's name unknown, Small Case with Light Blue Lining, Taisho Era (1912-1926) Sold
    • artisan's name unknown, Kamikazari (Hair Ornament), Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      artisan's name unknown, Kamikazari (Hair Ornament), Taisho Era (1912-1926)
    • artisan's name unknown, Purple and Gold Chopstick Case , Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      artisan's name unknown, Purple and Gold Chopstick Case , Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      $ 140.00
    • artisan's name unknown, Kushi (Comb Hair Accessory), Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      artisan's name unknown, Kushi (Comb Hair Accessory), Taisho Era (1912-1926) Sold
    • artisan's name unknown, Sewing Kit Case
      artisan's name unknown, Sewing Kit Case
    • artisan's name unknown, Kamikazari (Hair Ornament), Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      artisan's name unknown, Kamikazari (Hair Ornament), Taisho Era (1912-1926)
    • artisan's name unknown, Wrapping Case to Present Money, Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      artisan's name unknown, Wrapping Case to Present Money, Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      $ 180.00
    • artisan's name unknown, Kamikazari , Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      artisan's name unknown, Kamikazari , Taisho Era (1912-1926)
    • artisan's name unknown, Small Case, yellow and blue woven silk, Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      artisan's name unknown, Small Case, yellow and blue woven silk, Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      $ 100.00
    • artisan's name unknown, Chopsticks Case with Stripe Pattern, Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      artisan's name unknown, Chopsticks Case with Stripe Pattern, Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      $ 65.00
    • artisan's name unknown, Kamikazari (Hair Ornament), Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      artisan's name unknown, Kamikazari (Hair Ornament), Taisho Era (1912-1926)
    • artisan's name unknown, Clutch Bag , printed cotton from India, Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      artisan's name unknown, Clutch Bag , printed cotton from India, Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      $ 340.00
    • artisan's name unknown, Small Case with Floral Pattern
      artisan's name unknown, Small Case with Floral Pattern
    • artisan's name unknown, Kamikazari (Hair Ornament), Taisho Era (`1912-1926)
      artisan's name unknown, Kamikazari (Hair Ornament), Taisho Era (`1912-1926) Sold
    • artisan's name unknown, Kamikazari (Hair Ornament), Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      artisan's name unknown, Kamikazari (Hair Ornament), Taisho Era (1912-1926)
    • artisan's name unknown, Omamagoto Set, Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      artisan's name unknown, Omamagoto Set, Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      $ 450.00
    • artisan's name unknown, Chopsticks in Red Case
      artisan's name unknown, Chopsticks in Red Case
    • artisan's name unknown, Tobacco Pouch, Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      artisan's name unknown, Tobacco Pouch, Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      $ 200.00
    • artisan's name unknown, Miniature Set of Carpenter's Tools, Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      artisan's name unknown, Miniature Set of Carpenter's Tools, Taisho Era (1912-1926) Sold
    • artisan's name unknown, Kamikazari (Hair Ornament) , Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      artisan's name unknown, Kamikazari (Hair Ornament) , Taisho Era (1912-1926)
    • artisan's name unknown, Kansazhi (Hairstick) , Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      artisan's name unknown, Kansazhi (Hairstick) , Taisho Era (1912-1926)
    • artisan's name unknown, Small Case with Purple Color Lining, Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      artisan's name unknown, Small Case with Purple Color Lining, Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      $ 160.00
    • artisan's name unknown, Comb and Kamikazari, Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      artisan's name unknown, Comb and Kamikazari, Taisho Era (1912-1926) Sold
    • artisan's name unknown, Chopstick with Blue Case, Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      artisan's name unknown, Chopstick with Blue Case, Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      $ 100.00
    • artisan's name unknown, Kanzashi (Hair Stick), Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      artisan's name unknown, Kanzashi (Hair Stick), Taisho Era (1912-1926)
      $ 180.00

  • PAST EXHIBITIONS:

     

    Clay Fire Stone

     

    The Stories of Textiles

     

    知る人ぞ知る (Shiruhitozoshiru), IYKYK

     

    non-monumental works

     

    Silent Roar

     




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