Mutsuko Yawatagaki's Special Quilt Workshop

Known as one of the most renowned artists of Japanese style quilting, Mutsuko Yawatagaki was born in Shimane Prefecture and has been creating amazing works including embroidery, woven, dyed, and quilt. She put American quilting and Japanese traditional culture together in a beautiful way using the 100-300 years old kimono as materials, and her works have been showcased in major exhibitions inside and outside of Japan. In 2006, she opened The Izumo Museum of Quilt Art as her permanent exhibition. Visitors can feel ancient Japan with her quilting works in a Japanese traditional residence.

Her work themes are familiar ones from Japanese art such as dragons, flowers of the seasons, and Japanese symbolic icon Mt. Fuji. Her exhibitions are organized around the each seasons.

“In repurposing kimono, I am giving new life to fabric that is no longer worn and enjoyed. And while I am happy to have my work seen, my hope is that people will not focus solely on the quilts. I would like visitors to take in the entire space and feel the contributions of the many artisans and craftspeople who contributed to the creation of these amazing fabrics, because each and every kimono is truly a work of art.”

from Okan Arts

Japan Deluxe Tours offers Mutsuko Yawatagaki's Special Workshop during the visit at The Izumo Museum of Quilt Art on our Quilt Tour package. Quilting is an American import but you can experience her own world combining American quilt and Japanese kimono through this workshop. You will learn about the antique kimono; its beauty and history, and how to handle, sew, and reinforce. With that knowledage, you will create your own Japanese-style tapestry by using the various fabrics of an antique kimono that is 100-200 years old.

Bring back this exquisite art work with you as a memory of this trip. Dive into her unique world with us and learn something that can only be seen from her.