Bringing Alive Traditional Japaness Art And Handicraft
By Debbie Too
Bru Direct, Brunei Darussalam
Bandar Seri Begawan – Handicraft enthusiasts can now make a trip down to the Rizqun International Hotel to admire Japanese handicrafts being exhibited in the lobby of the hotel.
The Kuchina Handicraft and Art Exhibition showcase Kiriyo Kuchina’s art and handicraft pieces that includes items such as bags, purses and fabric. Born in Osaka, Japan in 1942, Kiriyo Kuchina is recognised in producing the original Kiriyo-Ori, and her works of arts are created based on a traditional Japanese weaving form called Saganishiki.
Traditionally, twisted paper was used as threads for this form of weaving, which gradually evolved into a style that uses durable Japanese paper coated with gold, silver and silk threads.
At the launch of the exhibition yesterday, Dato Paduka Hi Hamdillah Hj Abd Wahab, president of the Brunei-Japan Friendship Association (BJFA) welcomed everyone in his opening remarks and said that it was an honour to showcase works by Kiriyo Kuchina
In 1989, Kuchina began to transform Saganishiki into a more unique form of weaving with new materials and designs, which is now called Kiriyo-Ori, following her apprenticeship with the master weaver.
Kiriyo Ori was featured in a number of Japanese publications and has been described as a jewellike woven textile for its exquisiteness and ornateness.
Her artworks have been limited in recent years, as it is difficult to find the materials,, resulting in a more time-consuming weaving process. His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has previously invited Kuchina to exhibit her masterpieces during his birthday in 1993 and 1994.
Her works have also been exhibited at New York’s Hugo Gallery, Art Forum Gallery, Daiichi Gallery, as well as Japan’s Matsuzaki Gallery.
The exhibition was organised by the BJFA, which hopes to further promote Japanese culture and enhance ties between Brunei and Japan.
The launch was officiated by Pengiran Siti Aminah Pengiran Othnran, and was attended by members of the BJFA. The exhibition is open to the public and will continue until January 24.– Courtesy of The Brunei Times