As I share my concern about misleading the culture about Sashiko (if the “wrong”

As I share my concern about misleading the culture about Sashiko (if the “wrong” side should be messy or not), some of our friends (@na.na_45/ @satokiyo828) share their Sashiko on their account. Sashiko isn’t in the Past. It is an on-going culture with these Japanese who practice the Sashiko they learn. There are a number of Rising Sashiko Artisans like them. Please acknowledge them before following some simplified Sashiko defined by non-Japanese.
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Making both sides as “finished side” (Stitch with clean “wrong” side) isn’t only about “technique”. We do not do so just to show off the skill. There are “Stories” behind it. The Stories often reflect our “wishes”.
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A Story resonates with Western Culture – as we can find the word “Two-Faced” in English. “I understand that “Two faces” indicates a face to show (to the public) & a face to hide. Due to this indication, “Two-Faced” means “Not Honest & Sincere”. We have two or more faces somewhat. I admit that. At the same time, when it allows, I would like to be as honest & sincere as possible. When one says “the hiding side can not be the same as showing side in Sashiko”, I feel they are minimizing our aesthetics of “being honest”. I feel as if they say “We cannot be sincere”. What they say is quite disrespectful & violent.
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Again, having “front face” and “back face” happens. However, Sashiko introduced in English eliminated those who “tried” to have both sides “good to show”. We as Japanese do not define right or wrong so easily – and it is their wisdom & aesthetics to live outside of “right or wrong”. Sashiko existed in the Japanese ordinary – and therefore, we have so many stories to share to the world.
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Photo © Domestika
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刺し子の「表と裏」のお話。本音と建前があるように、表と裏の顔があることは当たり前です。無いと断言する人の方が怖い。ただ、「表裏のない人」が褒め言葉として使われるように、できるだけ表と裏の区別をつかないことが日本的な美意識だと思っています。
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刺し子において「裏はぐちゃぐちゃで良い」というのは、実際にそうであっても（綺麗にできない技術レベルであっても）、それを口に出すこと、ましてや人様にそうあって良いなどと教えることはまずありません。西洋で一刀両断で断言されているのは、そこには「恥」も、恥じることであるという物語も、何も知らない人達が先生を名乗っているからです。見た目（表面）さえ綺麗なら裏で何してても問題ないなんて、はたまた「裏＆見えない場所は醜くて当たり前」なんて日本どころか人間への冒涜です。そうならないように頑張ってきた結果が「文化」だし、裏と表を作らないように努力してきた結果が日本の刺し子の一部なのです。あまりにも流れの早い流行は智慧を置いてけぼりにします。今の英語圏の刺し子は大切なものを置き去りにしています。
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2024-03-03 23:58:26

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