Core Kyoto

Season 10, Episode 5: Conversations: The Power of Women in Decorative Arts

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Nagakusa Sumie, born and raised in the textile area of Nishijin, was taught how to embroider kimono with elegant designs by her parents-in-law. Eri Tomoko learnt to embellish Buddhist statues with fine strips of gold foil from her late mother, Sayoko, a living national treasure during her lifetime. They discuss the role of women in handicrafts and how the exquisite skills used in Kyoto-style embroidery and Kirikane foil trim are in danger of being lost with the decrease in specialists.

All Episodes - Season 10

Woven Gold and Silver: A World of Shimmering Patterns
Episode 1
Woven Gold and Silver: A World of Shimmering Patterns
Conversations: A Living Museum of Modern Architecture
Episode 2
Conversations: A Living Museum of Modern Architecture
Writing Implements: Modern Elegance in Traditional Stationery
Episode 3
Writing Implements: Modern Elegance in Traditional Stationery
Kyoto's Countryside: Compassion for Nature and its Blessings
Episode 4
Kyoto's Countryside: Compassion for Nature and its Blessings
Conversations: The Power of Women in Decorative Arts
Episode 5
Conversations: The Power of Women in Decorative Arts
Gateways: Sacred Demarcations that Repel Evil
Episode 6
Gateways: Sacred Demarcations that Repel Evil
Buddhist Bells of Prayer: A Universe of Sound Cleanses the Heart
Episode 7
Buddhist Bells of Prayer: A Universe of Sound Cleanses the Heart
Conversations: Learning Aesthetics from the Ancients
Episode 8
Conversations: Learning Aesthetics from the Ancients
Old Building Materials: The Ancient Capital's Culture of Recycling
Episode 9
Old Building Materials: The Ancient Capital's Culture of Recycling
Dried Foods: Ancient Wisdom Gracing Kyoto Tables
Episode 10
Dried Foods: Ancient Wisdom Gracing Kyoto Tables
Art Frontier: Creators Forge New Paths into the Future
Episode 11
Art Frontier: Creators Forge New Paths into the Future
The Lights of Kyoto: Illuminating and Soothing People's Hearts
Episode 12
The Lights of Kyoto: Illuminating and Soothing People's Hearts
Shikimono: The Culture of Living on the Floor
Episode 13
Shikimono: The Culture of Living on the Floor
Wazuka Tea: A Vibrant Village of Fragrant Fields
Episode 14
Wazuka Tea: A Vibrant Village of Fragrant Fields
The Beauty in Copying: An Art Form of Aspirations
Episode 15
The Beauty in Copying: An Art Form of Aspirations
Conversations: The Colors of Kyoto
Episode 16
Conversations: The Colors of Kyoto
Ornamental Metalwork: Magnificent Mastery Transcends Generations
Episode 17
Ornamental Metalwork: Magnificent Mastery Transcends Generations
Men's Kimono: The Beauty of Dressing with Flair
Episode 18
Men's Kimono: The Beauty of Dressing with Flair
New Directions for Washi: The Sustainable, Elegant Use of Paper
Episode 19
New Directions for Washi: The Sustainable, Elegant Use of Paper
Kamo River: The Flow of Life and Culture in the Ancient Capital
Episode 20
Kamo River: The Flow of Life and Culture in the Ancient Capital
The Spirit of Frugality: Modern Ingenuity and Age-Old Wisdom
Episode 21
The Spirit of Frugality: Modern Ingenuity and Age-Old Wisdom
Dashi Stock: Savory Umami for Exquisite Cuisine
Episode 22
Dashi Stock: Savory Umami for Exquisite Cuisine
The Dragon: Deity of Water, Protector of the Capital
Episode 23
The Dragon: Deity of Water, Protector of the Capital
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