Kimono – Japan’s Iconic Wearable Art

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It’s no secret that the kimono is one of the most iconic garments in the world. With it’s many layers, patterns, and styles the kimono has become more than just a garment – it’s been raised to the level of art. We even have a few kimono in our permanent collection. We asked our Chief Curator and Cultural Director, Tamara Joy, to give us a quick primer on the history and significance of the kimono – here’s what she had to say: The kimono is one of the most recognizable symbols …

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Add Some Artistry to Your Holidays – Japanese Gift Wrap

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Japan is famous for its culture of craftsmanship, and one of its most important crafts is paper. So it’s no surprise that the intersection of Japan’s rich culture of gift giving and its love and reverence for paper would be intricate and beautiful gift wrapping. The art of gift wrap, or tsutsumu, is an important part of any exchange of gifts. The paper you choose, the contrast of colors and textures, the ribbon, string or bows you add, and the folds, pleats and designs you create with the wrapping let the …

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Holiday Shopping at the Morikami Museum Store

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With Black Friday upon us, Small Business Saturday right behind it, and Cyber Monday bringing up the rear, the holiday shopping season has officially begun. We may be biased, but we think the Morikami Museum Store (in-person or online) simply can’t be beat when it comes to unique gifts with a decidedly Japanese flair. That’s why we’ve gathered some of our favorite items, best sellers, and great gift ideas into our Holiday Gift Guide here and on Pinterest. Explore the products below to get ideas for everyone on your list, and …

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Kanshasai Omedetou – Happy Thanksgiving!

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While Thanksgiving is a distinctly American holiday,there’s no reason you can’t add a little Japanese flair to your feast! We’ve gathered a few recipes that combine Thanksgiving staples with Japanese fall flavors on our Pinterest board Kanshasai Omedetou  – this phrase is about as close to Happy Thanksgiving as you’ll get in Japanese since there’s no such thing as Turkey Day in Japan :). If you’re looking to shake things up at the table this year, we highly recommend checking them out! We also wanted to wish you all a very Happy …

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From the Speaker: David Jackson on His Japanese Cabinetry Lecture

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If you haven’t had the chance to check out our current exhibit Japanese Design for the Senses, or if you have and you want to learn more, may we suggest making a night of it? Next week, Morikami will host David Jackson, Japanese furniture craftsmen and expert in tansu, for the first lecture of our 2014-2015 Speaker Series. Jackson has spent years studying, writing about and creating Japanese tansu (or storage chests) and Morikami is proud to bring you his lecture on the history, craftsmanship and influence of Japanese furniture …

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