Japanese sashiko Artisans
Japanese sashiko Artisans
Koginzashi
By Mokuyoukai & hiroko Takagi Sensei
Koginzashi
The Japanese peasants lived in northern part of Japan, Tsugaru, developed Kogin as thier wisdom to live through their ordinary day in harsh condition with limited resources.
The main purpose of Koing is to strenthen & thicker the fabric. As the original view, they used "Hemp Fabric" with white threads for the durability and heat retention. As the Kogin practice continue, people enjoy various of patterns. It originally started as the work-Jacket, and it has developed as well to "Haregi (晴れ着)", which is a special clothing for festival and ceremonies.
Mokuyoukai
We count warp along the weft and make stitches (We call it we "pick up" the stitches).
The Original Koginzashi was done by Indigo Fabric & White Cotton thread. However, we strive to try more to alternate (develop) the patteerns with respecting the traditional & original patterns. We also try to make our own "Colored" thread for more picturous Kogin. It is our hope that today's society can adapt Kogin into their ordinary lives.
Master takagi
It is our sincere pleasure to meet & greet Master Hiroko Takagi. She started Koginzashi in 1967, and her works have been displayed internationally in a numbers of exhibitions.
Master Takagi focuses on the possibilty of Kogin & its artistic perspective by stitching not only the traditional pattersn, but also the "picturous" and "artistic" patterns.
The Sashiko & Kogin Master Takagi practie is completely different from the Sashiko we practice - yet we are enjoying the same time. I am very fortunate to have her stories.
