Japanese Fishermen's Coats from Awaji Island

I recently purchased a book “Japanese Fishermen’s Coat from Awaji Island”. This book has a collection of Sashiko no Donza (quilted and embroidered coats) that truly honors the sweat, tears and blood from those men who worked endlessly for long hours in fishing industry to support their families. Sashiko stitched coats were known to be the necessity for farmers in northern part of Japan where the coldness of the winter is so severe. Intensely stitched coat gave warms and protection to the farmers. But fishermen and sailors in southern part of Japan wore Sashiko coats as well.
Awaji Island is the largest of the nearly three hundred islands in Japan’s Island Sea – thirty miles long and only thirteen miles across at its widest point. Located so close to Osaka, the window of trading, Awaji was known for its fishing, trading and even farming community to bring a decent wealth to the islanders. No one really knows when Sashiko no Donza became common in the region, but they were certainly widely used in the late Edo period (17th century).

Sashiko No Donza

This book contributes the study of Japanese textiles and the cultural history of the villages, which produced one of the mingei textiles in sashiko. The pictures of Sashiko no Donza in this book are outstanding quality. You can see the stitches in close details. Those coats worked as protection to the fishermen. You also feel the lives of women who mended and stitched by using the art of Sashiko to hold together layers of fabrics or pieces of cloth that were taken from other garments. All the colors consist in Indigo tones of blues.
This is not a Sashiko how to type of book, but to learn the factors of Sashiko (time, economy, place and cultural background) that greatly contributed to the birth of this stitching art in this region of Japan.

The design of this wall scroll came from a view of one of the gardens in traditional Japanese style; it is called Chaniwa (tea garden), which contains a tea house. Stepping stones are leading guests towards the tea house through the garden. After finishing tea and/or light meals, guests will stroll around the garden to admire beautifully arranged Bonsai trees, small ponds and seasonal flowers. Stones are the key element in Japanese gardens. Not only stepping stone, many garden ornaments are made from stone such as stone lanterns, water basins and fountains.
This quilt can be a wall scroll, or make it narrower to use as a table runner.

You can cut your favorite fabrics to make 4″ squares to use in this quilt, or to make it easier, there are pre-cut Japanese fabrics available. It is exiting to open up a pack to see about 20 different patterns and colors included. You will have fun coordinating them to create one of a kind piece.

Gogeous Dan-kazari Hina dolls decorated with furniture, lanterns and flowers.

Originally “Hina” were handsome male dolls, which were used by girls to play in Heian Period (794 – 1192).

Image credit: chiz.blog.so-net.ne.jp

Today, March 3rd, is Hinamatsuri in Japan. It is a ceremony to pray for girl’s healthy growth and well-being.

It was believed that the milestone of things from the past seasons was considered to be easily lead evil into girl’s soul, and affect their physical and mental well-being. On this day, many rituals are held nationwide, for example, Hina dolls are floated on the river water for purification.

This festival is also called “Peach Festival” since the event is held the season of peach flowers. If you look up dictionaries, it is also called “Girls Festival” as this is a celebration for girls.

A girl in traditional Kimono image credit: degicameiroiro.ccocolog-nifty.com

Hina arare (rice crackers) especially made for this day image credit: gmo-toku.jp

In modern days, beautifully made dolls are displayed accompanied with peach flowers, some furniture and lanterns. Hina -arare (rice crackers), Hishi-mochi (diamond-shaped rice cakes), Shiro-zake (sweet drink made from fermented rice) are served to have a little party. Girls are dressed in traditional Kimono.

When Hina-arare and special candies arrive from my friend in Japan, that is the sign for me to decorate a compact version of Hina-ningyou (Hina dolls) for my daughter to celebrate this day.