contents
Rice and Straw.
Shimenawa Artisan Kiyoshi Joko
—Living together, Weaving time.
For over half a century, Kiyoshi Joko has been a dedicated shimenawa(a sacred rope) artisan in Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture. From planting to harvesting, he cultivates his own rice, handling the straw with great care and intention as he weaves each piece.
In 2021, his granddaughter launched the "Mago(grandchild) Project" to preserve and promote her grandfather's traditional craft.
Mountain Morning presents this exhibition, showcasing Joko's exquisite craftsmanship and providing visitors with an opportunity to touch the world of straw culture. Through photos, videos, and spatial design, visitors can explore the beauty and significance of rice cultivation and traditional techniques.
Experience the timeless art of shimenawa making through the work of Kiyoshi Joko. This exhibition showcases the craftsmanship and dedication of a lifetime, as well as his granddaughter's efforts to preserve and promote this traditional art form.
Profile
Kiyoshi Joko (Farmer/Shimenawa Artisan)
Born in 1936. A straw artisan with a studio in Uwa-cho, Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture. In 2002, he established the Uwa Waraguro Association to preserve the disappearing straw culture for the future, and has participated in competitions and events across the country. In 2021, he won the Ehime Asahi Television President's Award at the 21st Century Ehime Traditional Crafts Grand Prize. He is currently active in the hope of passing on straw culture to the future.
Chika Joko (Representative of the Mago Project)
During working as a salesperson at a crafts shop, she came into contact with the works of her grandfather, Kiyoshi, an artisan, through event planning, and launched the Mago Project as an organization to distribute and promote the works. Currently, she works as a farmer with her grandfather, and is involved in everything from preparing materials to supporting production.
Mountain Morning
Launched by Interior stylist Fumiko Sakuhara and director Takanori Imai in 2015 working on space produce, brands and stores directions, product development, and communication design. They aim to be a community where people and things meet, interact, enjoy the unexpectedness that arise, share the joy and create new things through mutual respect.
- Date
- December 14 (Sat) - 26 (Thu), 2024
- Venue
- 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT Gallery 3
- Closed
- Open everyday
- Hours
- 10:00 - 19:00
- Admission
- Free
- Organized by
- method Inc.
- Planned by
- Mountain Morning, MAGO PROJECT
- Sponsor
- JAMS&CO LLC.
- Support
- FUJIFILM Imaging Systems Co., ltd.
- In association with
- Ehime Promotion Headquarters, Ehime Prefectural Government
- Inquiry
- method Inc. 03-6427-9296 (11:00 - 19:00, Except Saturdays, Sundays and National Holidays)
info@wearemethod.com - Website
- http://wearemethod.com/