Kudzu

Riverside MillRiverside GalleryExhibition

13 Dec

Written By Laura Wasley

and other natural fibres in Japan

The first collection of natural fibre fabrics from Japan to be shown outside of Japan, focusing primarily on Kudzu (commonly known as Japanese Arrowroot).

Japan has been producing natural fibre fabrics for centuries. In every household in the country before World War II, it was common to spin and weave hemp and cotton, stems of locally grown kudzu, vines of wild wisteria, or bark of trees such as banana, to make daily clothes such as kimonos or work wear. 

The introduction of machines as well as synthetic fabrics meant that these common household skills became very rare. However, thanks to a small group of craftspeople, makers, growers and researchers, a network of knowledge has formed, and this dying art is being revived. The master Kudzu fabric craftsman, Tatsuhiko Murai, is leading this revival.

This is the first collection of natural fibre fabrics from Japan to be shown outside of Japan, focusing primarily on Kudzu (commonly known as Japanese Arrowroot).

The process of making Kudzu fabrics will be shown, from raw materials to finished items, using photos and video and some exquisite pieces of traditional clothing. Tatsuhiko Murai and his fellow makers will be sharing the skills and techniques of how to produce yarn/threads from Kudzu and other natural fibres.