Beyond the Tanabata Bridge

Tanabata-tsume, the Weaver Maid, is the patron deity of weaving in Japan and the subject of an old and beautiful legend. Devoted to her husband, she neglected her work, and was banished across the River of Heaven (the Milky Way). But once a year birds bridge the river with their wings so the couple can be reunited for one night - the night when women pray for skill in Japan's marvellous textile traditions. This guide to the folk textiles of Japan, based on the collection of the Seattle Art Museum - one of the most comprehensive and significant in the West - journeys beyond the Tanabata Bridge on a tour of national and regional cloth-making from the 18th to the 20th century, taking in all major weaving, dyeing and stitchery techniques as well as general themes and local variations in the traditions. Essays from distinguished contributors show how these clothes provide an insight into Japanese culture, and how colour, motif, shape and material reflected the wearer's age, occupation and rank. Specially commissioned colour photographs of the often spectacular and remarkable garments are accompanied by drawings showing how they were worn or used and views of modern weavers at work.