HARI-KUYO

27" x 24"

In the old days, in Japan, the kimono was the customary attire for men as well as women. Thus kimono sewing was a popular cottage industry. On February 8, broken needles were collected and offered to Awaji-sama, the guardian deity of women for continuing guidance. Legend has it that the needles were stuck in tofu to wrap them with tenderness in gratitude for their service.

day of gratitude--

in the tofu

broken needles

I wanted to capture the atmosphere of this custom, and express it on the canvas with a tactile sensation of fabric against wintry background.