The Japanese Kimono Exhibition – Between Tradition and Modernity
Exhibition Opening Ceremony: Wednesday 7 February 2024 at 6:00 pm
Date: 7 – 17 February 2024 Time: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Venue: Atrium, SUAD Campus
About the Exhibition
Japanese textile art, with its thousand-year history shaped by geographical isolation and regional diversity, flourishes in a multitude of creative traditions. Workshops on every island, in every region and even in every neighborhood, bear witness to the artistic uniqueness, style and techniques of each community. The Japanese take a keen interest in their traditional arts, illustrated by political preservation measures on a national and regional scale, materialized by the title of “Living National Treasure” awarded to renowned artists and craftsmen.
The exhibition aims to highlight various aspects of Japanese culture and art, with a particular focus on textile art, with the kimono as an emblematic example. The different regions of Japan are distinguished by their specialties, from fibers such as Okinawa’s Bashofu and Kakegawa’s Kuzufu, to design and decoration techniques such as Kanazawa’s Kaga Yuzen and Kyoto’s Nishijin-ori.
Structured around the kimono, this project explores three axes: an introduction to the history and types of kimono, a presentation of the components (materials, motifs, techniques), and an exhibition of exceptional kimonos from Kyoto and Osaka. By also exploring modern textile analysis and 3D imaging technologies applied to kimonos, the exhibition offers a contemporary perspective. Finally, it highlights local creativity with 18 kimonos designed in collaboration with students from the French Fashion Institute ESMOD Dubai.
About Mr Corentin de Sade
Corentin de Sade specialises in the study of Asian art and expertise, with emphasis on the in-depth analysis of Japanese kimonos and textiles. Having completed his academic pursuits at the École du Louvre and Sorbonne University, he embarked upon a career in the art market and Parisian museums before eventually dedicating himself towards the comprehensive analysis and promotion of textiles to the public.
Throughout his schooling, he dedicated himself to the study of Asian art and its influence on the Western world. In addition, he delved into the examination of technical methodologies for analysing… and modelling textile works.
To showcase his expertise and scholarly acumen, he has authored an array of research papers. His notable contributions encompass an assortment of topics, including French-Japanese inspired creations, 3D imaging techniques, and the structural analysis of Japanese textiles.
With unwavering passion and confidence, Corentin has been avidly pursuing his interest in Japanese textiles, particularly kimonos, for several years now. His impressive and extensive collection of these exceptional textiles is a testament to his unwavering commitment and dedication
This collection comprises over 200 distinct kimonos that date back from the 16th to the 21st century. The collection features sumptuous Kabuki, Nō and Kagura theatre costumes from the Edo period, along with significant wedding kimonos that serve as centrepieces.Additionally, there is a vast collection of textile samples and production tools, including hundreds of old stencils and preparatory drawings from the workshops of master craftsmen across Japan.
The collection at hand has become an indispensable resource for his research, particularly as it pertains to his thesis on the topic of techniques, fibres, and rare materials utilized in the production of kimonos. Two notable examples of such materials include Bashofu, which is derived from banana fibre, and Minomushi, a rare type of wild silk that can be used in its raw form or as an exceptionally refined silk marquetry.
This collection constitutes the primary foundation upon which he bases his collaborations with academic institutions such as Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and ESMOD Dubai, as well as private collectors. His objective is to disseminate his knowledge and foster an appreciation for art and Japanese textile design. He regularly collaborates with master craftsmen who create kimonos and textile collectors on-site in several regions of Japan.
In Partnership with:
Kindly note that this event will be photographed and videographed
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