Please join us for the opening in the upstairs Riverside Gallery of:

Kudzu and other natural fibres in Japan

The first collection of natural fibre fabrics from Japan to be shown outside of Japan, focusing primarily on Kudzu (commonly known as Japanese Arrowroot).

A Green Maker Initiative exhibition

Japan has been producing natural fibre fabrics for centuries. In every household in the country before World War II, it was common to spin and weave hemp and cotton, stems of locally grown kudzu, vines of wild wisteria, or bark of trees such as banana, to make daily clothes such as kimonos or work wear. 

The introduction of machines as well as synthetic fabrics meant that these common household skills became very rare. However, thanks to a small group of craftspeople, makers, growers and researchers, a network of knowledge has formed, and this dying art is being revived. The master Kudzu fabric craftsman, Tatsuhiko Murai, is leading this revival.
Come and meet him, his team and guest weavers and hear about these fascinating and ancient processes. 

Kudzu and other natural fibres in Japan runs 12 September - 31 October 2026 | Visit the webpage here

EVENTS

Saturday 12 September
Mr and Mrs Murai are running a masterclass, 'From Vine to Thread: Japanese Kudzu Fibre Threads', 10am - 1pm - please see here for details and to book 

Saturday 12 September 
Suyoko Ito & Toyomi Harada are running a workshop, 'Circular Weaving with Japanese Fibres', 2pm - 5pm - please see here for details and to book