Japan, 18th century, Attush robe with exceptional decoration of fish bones and tassels (front), cloth: elm bark fiber; cotton appliqué and embroidery, silk, wool, sturgeon scales, shells, bird bones, silk tassels, metal, stone; lining: cotton, The Mary Griggs Burke Endowment Fund established by the Mary Livingston Griggs and Mary Griggs Burke Foundation; purchase from the Thomas Murray Collection 2022.6

Talk: The Ainu of Northern Japan: Their Unique Textile Tradition

Made in part from fibers harvested from elm bark or nettles, Ainu robes feature elaborate embroidered patterns meant to please the eye and protect the wearer. This talk focuses on the textile culture of the indigenous Ainu people, who traditionally live on Hokkaido (the northernmost of Japan’s main islands), the Kuril Islands, and the southern part of Sakhalin (in today’s Russia).

About the Speaker:

Christina M. Spiker, PhD, visiting assistant professor of art and art history, St. Olaf College

Additional Information

Reserve Tickets
Register by calling (612) 870-6323 or register online.

Accessibility
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_{Japan, 18th century, Attush robe with exceptional decoration of fish
bones and tassels (front), cloth: elm bark fiber; cotton appliqué and
embroidery, silk, wool, sturgeon scales, shells, bird bones, silk tassels,
metal, stone; lining: cotton, The Mary Griggs Burke Endowment Fund
established by the Mary Livingston Griggs and Mary Griggs Burke
Foundation; purchase from the Thomas Murray Collection 2022.6}