After meeting Muneyoshi Yanagi, a pioneer of the famous Mingei (folk arts) movement, artist Motoju Miyosawa (1909-2002) became a major advocate of the beauty of frugality, a quality that Mingei followers believed everyday objects possessed. During the 1960s, however, he chose to travel internationally to research and hone his katazome stencil dyeing techniques.
Miyosawa's experience of other Asian and European cultures during those soul-searching trips prompted him to rethink his own katazome style. On display are a number of works from different stages of Miyosawa's career, illustrating the artist's progression from a more conventional to unique personal style; Jan. 24-April 2.
Kobe Fashion Museum; (078) 858-0050; 2-9-1 Koyochonaka, Higashinada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo; Island Center Station, Rokko Liner. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ¥ 500. Closed Wed. (except March 20), March 21. www.fashionmuseum.or.jp.
