Update 9/8: this event is now full and registration is closed. In cooperation with Mutsuko Yawatagaki, one of Japan’s leading quilters, I will give a special tour in English on Saturday Sept. 17 at The Izumo Museum of Quilt Art in Shimane Prefecture. This is Japan’s only museum dedicated to the art of quilting, founded by the artist in 2006 in a beautiful traditional Japanese house. We will be viewing the fall exhibition, Magnificent Mountains of Japan: From Fuji to Oyama, on view from Sept. 1 to Nov. 29, 2022.
The quilts are all made using vintage kimono and obi — themselves works of art — as well as other traditional Japanese fabrics. One of my favorites is this amazing representation of Mt. Fuji created from over a thousand tiny pieces of handcrafted kimono fabric.
We will also see the Oyama quilt, made using cotton pilgrims’ wear, in its very first showing in San’in. Come learn about the fascinating connection between Mt. Daisen in Tottori and Mt. Oyama, near Tokyo in Kanagawa Prefecture! Why are the same characters 大山 used for two mountains but with such different readings??
Date: Saturday September 17, 2022
Time: Guided tour in English: 1:30 to 2:30 pm (Please arrive by 1:15)
Free time: 2:30 ～ You are welcome to remain in the museum after the tour, to look at the works again and/or visit the café and gift shop).
Workshop: 3:00 to 4:30 If you wish, join the workshop time to make a coaster in your choice of designs from the pilgrimage jackets used in the Oyama quilt. (Fee: 500 yen per coaster; kits to make at home for sale in the museum gift shop.)
Location: The Izumo Museum of Quilt Art in Izumo, 330 Fukutomi, Hikawa-cho, Izumo, Shimane Prefecture. Free parking is available at the museum.
Guide: Alice Gordenker. The artist, Mutsuko Yawatagaki, will accompany the tour to provide commentary and answer questions.
Fee: Free. As this event is supported by a grant from the Toshiba International Foundation, both the tour and museum admission is free for everyone. Participants will also receive a gift of two free tickets that can be used at the museum at a later date (a 1,400 yen value). Optional coaster-making: 500 yen per coaster; your choice of designs.
Sweet set: After the event, the museum café is offering (for those who wish it) a special Izumo sweet set of a fresh seasonal wagashi made by Nagira Choshudo and a fresh chocolate truffle from Izumo’s newish gourmet chocolatier Nanairo. 800 yen, including a drink (coffee, tea or macha).
How to sign up: As this is special program supported by a grant for international understanding, priority will be given to foreign residents of Japan, who may sign up in English here. Applications from Japanese nationals are also welcome. If space is available, we will happily invite you to join us, and send a confirmation no later than one week in advance, by Sept. 10. 日本人の申込 Please register your name and contact information here.
Questions? Send a message to Alice Gordenker via this form.
Alice Gordenker アリス・ゴーデンカー 
Thank you very much for the invitation Alice! I just signed up 🙏🏻
Warmest, Tanja
Sent from my iPhone
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Hi Alice,
Am I right in the assumption that this event will be part of the
envisaged San’in-Tour? I.e. would I need to sign up?
Lots of hugs!
Thomas
Hi Thomas, The Izumo Museum of Quilt Art event is in September (so a month earlier). So you would need to travel on your own to Izumo in order to participate.