An inspirational Japanese garden quilt I’ve heard about is the “sennin no ki”. Like most other Japanese quilts, the subtlety in the hand quilting is superb. Read on for more facts & information…
The themes for quilts on Japanese gardens are very diverse, but quite a few of them have simple cross hatches on the central background which contrast with the dense quilt lines, suggesting the shapes of huge mountains.
Japanese garden quilts are particularly known for their strong spiritual, religious and tranquil inclinations. In ages past and even in recent times, quilts have been used to show a sign of deep respect to rulers, emperors and great warriors by presenting them as gifts. They are believed to be a sign to wish the recipient long life. The presentation of a quilt fabric has great spiritual meaning.
From times past, the people of Japan have worn garments and house gowns made from quilts. These quilts are usually patch worked and made from strips of fabric. They also have appliqué and embroidery on them to add to their aesthetic value. Such quilts are still being made in present day Japan and, like they did in the times past, they still provide warmth, show a sign of deep respect and are a sign of luxury.
Japanese garden quilts are different from normal Japanese quilts and even more different from normal quilts in the sense that the Japanese garden quilts have at least one of the following: flowers, stones, water, sky, trees, mountains and even houses embroidered on them or they can come in combinations. The beauty and essence experienced in a real Japanese garden is stitched to fabric and a magnificent item gets created every time this is done.
Japanese quilting, which started centuries ago, with the use of appliqué, quilting and simple patchwork is becoming a new trend as contemporary quilters are beginning to add the western influence into the ancient form of Japanese garden quilts. New Japanese quilters have incorporated the western style of quilting into the ancient to produce masterpieces in Japanese garden quilting.
By using techniques from the eastern and western parts of the world, and adding the rich cultural heritage of Japan into fabrics, beautiful styles have been created. Kimono fabrics used along with the decorative heritage in arts create an even more distinctive style by using contrasting and catchy colour combinations along with different motifs. Using blocks is another way exquisite quilts can be produced with patchwork art.
As the art of quilting began in Asia, they are at the foremost in quilting because they have been able to successfully incorporate the nineteenth and twentieth century quilting styles into their patchwork. With the use of colour, detailing, and proper handling of various fabrics, they have been able to produce exquisite garden quilts.
