Yosegire - Symbolism in Japanese Patchwork

by Celia Eddy
published: 26/11/2009
printer friendly version

YOSEGIRE – SYMBOLISM IN 16TH CENTURY
JAPANESE PATCHWORK

Patchwork in Japan has historically had religious significance. In Shinto, the predominant religion, all things animate and inanimate are believed to be imbued with a spirit, and this of course includes textiles. In ancient times fabric was so highly valued as to sometimes be used as a form of currency and fabrics were given as tribute to emperors and warlords. Even today old textiles have symbolic meaning: the giving of a patchwork garment, for example, conveys a wish for long life for the recipient, while the care and preservation of textiles is seen as a spiritual exercise. My padded and quilted patchwork dressing gowns are inspired by the 16th Century Japanese patchwork style known as ‘yosegire’* Yosegire patchwork is a form of crazy patchowrk, built up in strips. You can see how it's done if you go to the How To.

Detail of 'yosegire' patchwork which is builtup in strips.

QUILTED AND PATCHWORK DRESSING-GOWNS

The padded patchwork dressing-gowns I make are usually given as gifts to members of my family, and to friends. Each one is special and unique - sometimes even 'themed': one made for my son-in-law, a comics expert, has satin bats appliqued on the back and pockets!The patchwork incorporates many different fabrics, including some exotics, so as well as being warm and practical the dressing-gowns have a distinctly opulent look about them. They are wadded, quilted and lined. Those I’ve made in the past are still in use after many years.

'Yosegire in Red'- front view of a dressing-gown. based on reds and blacks.

At last, since everyone in the family has a dressing gown – or sometimes two! – I’ve decided to offer them for sale. The man’s version shown here is called ‘Yosegire in Red’.It has front patch pockets and an inside ribbon tie at the waist. Black velvet sash, collar, cuffs and hem increase the overall effect of opulence.

A women's version, which uses the same yosegire patchwork but is made in a kimono-style, is in the pipeline and I'll post pictures of it as soon as it's ready.

Back view of 'Yosegire in Red'.

I will make dressing-gowns, men's or women's, to commission, in colours and sizes to order. Anyone interested in buying a dressing-gown, or simply wanting to know more about them, can e-mail me, using the Comments button on Home Page.

Silky red lining looks cheerful and luxurious.

© Celia Eddy