After a follower (Hi Sara!) asked about which countries take part in this competition, I tried to find out some info. I don't want to mislead you so will dig a little deeper before making any broad statements. I can tell you that exactly the same 9 countries were represented these last two years that I have attended - Australia, Canada, Germany, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom and USA. I don't know how these countries "qualify" or if others are welcome...? It appears that this competition is organized in the USA, by Mancuso Show Management, and it tours to several locations in the USA during the year - Florida, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and California. (I thought Mancuso was just the Show promoter for the USA, and that the quilts would tour in other countries as well...does anyone out there know???) If there are at least 10 entries from a country, then there is a "Best of Country" award given. Other awards given are Best of World, Viewer' Choice and then 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honourable Mentions in Innovative and Traditional categories as well as Best Use of Color, Best Hand Workmanship and Best Machine Workmanship. I will be showing you the "big winners" but first a few more from some of the countries- today let's see what Japan had to offer.
I am showing the quilts with the accompanying writeups without much personal comment, as I have done in previous posts. There aren't enough superlatives in the world for me to add. Each and every quilt is exceptional, the techniques used are varied and so skillfully executed, the designs are mind-blowingly awesome! What more can I say? Each one is more incredible than the last!
Used To, 31" x 60", by Natsumi Ohara of Japan
"This quilt is based on Hanafuda - Japanese traditional playing card that I used to play with my family. A baby wild boar represents my late brother who was a happy boy in his childhood."
Hand Appliquéd, Machine Pieced, Machine Quilted, Original Design
Fireworks, 61" x 51" by Chieko Baba of Japan
"My country has a good time during summer festivals. What a beautiful night sky this is!"
Hand Quilted, Original Design.
My apologies for the less than sharp focus on this shot. This quilt had a very interesting edge finish of braided fabric.
Queen of the Moonlight, 71" x 62", by Mihoko Tanaka of Japan
"The short-lived cereus blooms only overnight, in complete darkness, once a year. I am fascinated with this short lived plant also referred to as the Queen of the Moonlight. This plant was also loved by my late father. Satin stitched appliqué was applied overall with the flower centers free motion embroidered."
Machine Appliquéd, Machine Pieced, Machine Quilted, Original Design.
Just. Simply. Exquisite.
Miyabi, 105" x 88", by Matsuko Shiraishi of Japan
"This quilt is made from a traditional Japanese bridal costume. I want to express a feeling of "Miyabi" through this quilt. Miyabi is a feeling of elegance and sorrow. To represent, I reformed log cabin style to a rose shape and expressed sorrow through color choices. Weddings are ceremonies that has these two emotions. I hope these cloth roses from a wedding dress expressed these emotions well."
Machine Pieced, Machine Quilted, Original Design.
This was really something to see. It required an un-hurried close inspection to truly appreciate it, the fabrics in particular.
Diminishing Creatures, 65" x 72", by Hiroko Soeta of Japan
"I made this quilt to express my gratitude to my father-in-law who was gentle yet strong as a tiger. Machine pieced and appliquéd, hand quilted and embroidered, painted, discharged."
Machine Appliquéd, Machine Pieced, Hand Quilted. Original Design.
A Newborn Star, 62" x 54", by Atsuko Matsubara of Japan
Hand Appliquéd, Hand Pieced, Hand Quilted. Original Design
This quilt won the Best Use of Color in the Innovative category.
Summer Fairy, 83" x 65", by Kazue Tsukayama
"Blue sky in the summer and colorful flowers. The flower fairies enjoy this! The quilt is finished with embroidery and appliqué."
Hand Appliquéd, Machine Pieced, Hand Quilted. Original Design
This quilt won Best Hand Workmanship in the Innovative category.
Piece!
Linda
"Instead of being afraid of the challenge and failure, be afraid of avoiding the challenge and doing nothing." ~ Soichiro Honda, founder of Honda Motor Co.
6 comments:
Queen of the Night and A Newborn Star - both so beautiful. Such imagination!
Loving your posts of these magnificent works of art Linda.. simply breathtaking.
Hi Linda! :)
"There aren't enough superlatives in the world..." This is exactly what I feel when I see your posts and these amazing quilts. Even one like me that doesn't know much about quilting can admire the wonderful designs and the techniques used.
It will be very interesting to see the participants from other countries. By now I know that Canadians are great quilters, and am learning also about what is done in other countries and cultures!
"Summer Fairy", with those lovely blue skies and colourful flowers, is my favourite.
And I must still add that I am a happy Honda owner. I think their price/performance ratio is excellent, considering environmental issues as well.
Have a lovely new week!
I love the tigers and newborn star...but oh the lavender fairy in the last one wins my heart. How exquisite! Hugs, Diane
The quilts from Japan really are works of art!
All of those quilts are amazing in their detail. I love the look but I know I would never have the patience for all those fiddly little pieces... crazy making! LOL! Fiddly does pay off however! :D
Hugs from your new friend from GYB party 2015,
Beth P
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