My friend was right. It is too late to spread a whole picture of “Boro (& Sashiko)”. Her advice was based on her experience in both Japanese & Western fabric industry & her network. I was more idealistic, and she knew the reality better. Her observation was quite accurate. However… even if it is too late, what can I do? It is my identity that I am talking about.
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It is too late, but I cannot (should not) stop sharing. I hope you (who follow this account. Thank you/) will be the one who passes down the whole picture of Sashiko and Boro to the next generation. Boro is NOT the word for the “Visible Mending”. Yes, Boro as a result is beautiful. However, the current trend of Boro (& Sashiko) has messed up “orders”. If you have been following us, I believe you know what I mean by “orders”. ☆
It is sad that I may be facing an actual cultural repainting. Celebrating the colorful, obvious, and self‐assertive patchworking is opposite of the Boro I have received – the necessary fabric with caring stitching, in which our ancestors put them in the ground (to hide). Sashiko & Boro were(are) the result of quiet voices. I will continue speaking up… even though it is too late. ☆
Occasionally, I disagree with what Keiko does. Her “playful-mind” goes over my comfort zone. The photo, Keiko wonder if it is Boro, I say, “Don’t know”. However, she “knows” the origin. If the majority start “not caring” about the origin, and focusing on the trend, then what I do for my life is repainted (deleted from the surface) soon or later. Do I compromise to survive? Or, do I keep this small stream of Japanese “tradition” next to the mainstream of trend? I don’t know. What I can do is to keep advocating what I am proud of – the identity I finally realize. Umm. I guess I am angry (probably way too tired).
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「虹色に彩られた襤褸」。これが今の襤褸のトレンドを表す一言かもしれません。もっと雑に言うと、カラフルな自己主張の強い襤褸。原色をふんだんに使ったハギレの重ね合わせた自己主張の強いものを襤褸という言葉で表現するのであれば、その襤褸を恥ずかしく思い、土に埋めた人の気持ちはどこに行くのか。ちょっと苛立っております。やっぱり配信が必要だな。ちなみに、「玉虫色に輝く襤褸」だと、同じカラフルでも嫌悪感がない不思議。
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2020-04-30 17:08:42
[Additional Note]
If you are enjoying Sashiko/Boro at your discretion in your comfortable zone, It is perfectly fine. As I keep saying, if you try to respect the culture, I encourage you to call your stitching Sashiko.
What I am not happy about it those who “tell/teach/publish” others without researching.
Not knowing is okay. But I would not tell/teach/publish a topic that I do not know comfortably. I can stitch, so I can teach others about quilting? No, I have not learned anything yet. I enjoy (modern) quilting, but I would not spread my own interpretation as the “tradition” or “definition”. I will continue this topic later on in the main topic. I appreciate your comments. I read them all. I may not reply, but it doesn’t mean that I don’t like your comments. Thank you for your understanding.
I love the depth of your writings. I admit that I was first attracted to a couple of accounts wherein the stitching on the fabric was artfully done. But, by reading only a few of your writings, I appreciate the wide and deeper aesthetic and cultural significance of your postings. The trends may rush past you and ultimately fade. The tradition holds the foundation of the past and in its fading becomes an enlightened way.
カラフルな襤褸、襤褸が出来た経緯を無視されてるようで嫌だなぁ。
I agree that your anger shows where your values are, and that you care. I am sorry there is cause for despair and anger though.
It is never too late to educate. This is my view.
Beautiful
What does your heart tell you?❤️
For whatever reason, lately I am having difficulty with thinking deeply about most things and Sashiko tradition is one of them. I want you to know I’m still here, though mostly silent, and won’t stop reading your pages. Stay the course you have chosen.
Be proud of boro and sashiko’s origin. I’m so sorry I couldn’t visit the Boro Museum when I went to Tokyo. It was closed for some time. I guess the origin is well documented there. I love this artistic tradition. I love Japan and japanese crafts.
You got me reading a lot of your articles. I’m very greatful for you sharing.
I have come to be interested in Japanese culture through learning about Sashiko. One of the things I appreciate is I have much to learn and I am on a journey of slow but steady improvement. I have some vintage kimono fabric which I am repurposing into a jacket for my son and it had small “patches” on some of the pieces and that for me said Boro. A much loved piece of fabric which had been lovingly and respectfully repaired to extend its life. Keep inspiring and teaching. We are all a work in progress and can improve with the right help.
Don’t forget that the internet is *forever* and your words will not disappear. Think about us who listen to your voice/read your words as having the ability to discriminate about ideas and history and culture. Look at the work of the quilters of Gee’s Bend @soulsgrowndeepfoundation and find some strength and comfort there! I continue to read your words because I respect your honesty and desire to dialogue and communicate. It’s always a spectrum of thought – it’s okay to move up and down that spectrum at will, day to day, moment to moment. Rigidity does not seem to come into play in everything you say about sashiko and boro – rather a wondering and a contemplation. Stay strong!
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡!!!!
「胸を張れ」「誇りに思え」と言うけれど、恥に思うこと、辛い、苦しいと思うこと それらも立派な思いで、自分にとっての、自分だけの思いでもある そこを大切にしてほしくはあります 明るくポジティブなのも大切とは思いますが
✨👌🏼✨