Kyo-yuzen/Dyed Textiles: Sachi Manabe (Morphosphere)
Although a piece may seem flat and realistic at first glance, the dyeing process involves a variety of skills and advanced, unique techniques, which comes together to create the beauty of a single kimono. Although I am an artisan, the techniques used by others who worked on it are still a mystery to me. This is one of the great things about yuzen dyeing, and something that constantly motivates me as an artist.
Drawn in by its beauty, as well as the artistry of its colors and designs, I began to study tegaki yuzen in 2007 under the tutelage of Kihachiro Yoshida, a renowned yuzen artist. In the midst of the serious situation that the kimono industry and culture is facing, I reconsider from the beginning the intrinsic quality of yuzen dyeing as something to be viewed and appreciated. Furthermore, in order to create new settings and markets with the aim of improving the craft's standing, I produce new items under the concept of going beyond the roles of being looked at, worn, and used for decoration.
My work involves creating pieces with motifs that suit the season, including one-of-a-kind kimono that are completely made to order. I have also launched "tint", a series of accessories that combine dyed material and embroidery, as well as as tiles that use yuzen designs, which give people more chances to wear colours. You can find them in speciality stores in various locations.
Profile
2007 Began to study under Kihachiro Yoshida
2009 Had a semi-formal kimono titled "Rakuen e no Sasoi" selected for the
Japan Kōgei Association Kinki Branch Exhibition
Showcased works created with traditional methods at Buddhist temples in
Kyoto
Participated in Unplugged (has also participated four more times)
2011 Received the New Craftwork Best New Talent Encouragement Award for a
men's kimono titled "Kemonode"
2012 Held exhibition "Love Odyssey" (Gallery H20)
2014 Held exhibition "Rakuen Made Ato Sukoshi" (Gallery Take)
2015 Created the kimono for England in the Imagine One World Kimono
Project
2016 Completed Kyoto Industry Research Center's Tegaki Yuzen Professional
Training Course
Received the Mayor's Award and Association's Award for final piece
"Robo no Hana"
Held exhibition "Ikoku Jocho to Shikisai no Kirameki" (Nagoya
Mitsukoshi Japanesque Gallery)
2017 Became a Certified Kyoto Traditional Products Craftsman (Kyo-yuzen)
Launched "tint", an accessory brand combining dyed material and
embroidery
Participated in exhibition "Mirai no Tochu" at Kyoto Institute of
Technology Museum and Archives
2018 Began to sell Yuzen Design Style pieces
Awarded second place at the 6th Kyomono Youth Competition
2019 Launched Morphosphere, an all-inclusive craft brand centered around
yuzen
Became a guest lecturer on Kyoto Studies at Ritsumeikan University
Held exhibition "Sachi Manabe: Tegaki Yuzen Works" (izutuki Gallery at
Nihonbashi Kiya)