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Mokuyoukai & Takagi Sensei

Modern Kogin & its Legend.

· Japan Tour Story

Kogin sashiko, originating from the wisdom of farmers in the Tsugaru region of northern Japan, is a form of embroidery featuring geometric patterns initially crafted as a means to reinforce fabric, which was precious at the time. Patterns are created by counting and picking up vertical threads along the weft and stitching across the fabric. To withstand the harsh cold of snowy regions, this embroidery started as a way to enhance durability and warmth by stitching white thread on indigo-dyed linen. Gradually, various patterns emerged, and kogin sashiko began to add decorative value, making it not only functional workwear but also festive attire for special occasions.

Around 50 years ago, during a trip to Aomori, I encountered a small kogin sashiko piece and purchased it, which inspired me to start stitching on my own. After three years of trial and error, I discovered that a handicraft publishing company offered a kogin sashiko course, and I decided to begin studying it seriously. Traditionally, kogin sashiko uses white cotton thread on dark blue fabric, but I aim to incorporate classical patterns with slight modifications to evolve them. With the availability of more colorful fabrics and threads today, I also want to create works using original colored threads that match the fabrics and continue challenging myself to produce new and unique pieces.

Since around 1988, I have been creating painterly works, starting with subjects such as goldfish, cranes with Mount Fuji, and the twilight of Hōsenji Temple. Inspired by famous scenes like Hiroshige's "Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō" and Hokusai's "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji," I have made items such as obi sashes, half coats, tapestries, table centers, and bags, continuing my journey in kogin sashiko to this day.

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