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| Message from Emiko TANNO |
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| Before beginning each of the Washi Japanese paper projects, it takes more than six months to come up with an idea, develop it, and research the historical context. Through this research, I learn about many past events and get a glimpse into not only the lives of historical figures but also the lives of ordinary people from each era. I am engrossed with numerous images and scenes from Japan's past. There are times when it is difficult to decide on a central theme or motif for my work.
Inspired by creative muse, my fingers work with Washi Japanese paper, folding, pasting, crumpling and wringing, until finally a single piece of paper is molded into a 3-dimensional figure. This process has brought immense satisfactions to my life. To my surprise, I have been involved with Washi doll making more than 25 years.
There are a number of types of Washi paper. If the properly piece of paper is chosen, it can be molded into any shape. At times it is as if the artist is merely an instrument of the paper. Yet, sometimes I work so hard with my fingers that I injure my shoulders. When I was young, I worked at my desk day and night, so much so that I was even hospitalized for back pain.
I have made many sacrifices for my art. Only recently have I noticed that my way of life is similar to countless number of unknown artists who contributed to their local history and passed down traditional culture from generation to generation. My passion has been fueled by these artists, responding to their passion, depression, pleasure and suffering. I have begun to realize this is my calling in life, to tread the same beaten path that many countless artists have walked before me.
My involvement with Washi crafts has given me a deeper understanding about the world and my life. I have come to realize and appreciate the beauty and importance in everything around me.
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Kimono Dealer(Click here)
 The original kimono was a simple article of clothing with tight sleeves. During the Heihan period (794-1192), a garment called 'kosode', literally meaning small sleeves, was worn, first as an undergarment and later as an outer garment, by both women and men. Persons of the imperial court sometimes wore up to sixteen kimono layers. However, during the Kamakura period (1192-1333) with the rising influence of the samurai warriors, people were reluctant to wear elaborate kimono. As practicality prevailed, the kosode became more popular. After that advancements in the weaving and dyeing process led to the prosperity of the kimono industry and the emergence of kimono dealers. Particularly kimono commerce reached its apogee during the Edo period (1603-1868). The kimono as we know it came into being in those days and the word 'kimono' was invented in the Meiji era (1869-1912).
Photo:Inside a kimono dealer in Edo Period (1603-1868)
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Nambu Sembei(Click here)
 Nambu is the name of Nambu clan feudal lord and Sembei is a cracker or cookie made of rice or wheat-flour. Nambu sembei is made by kneading wheat-flour with water into dough, forming it into a flat and round shape, topping it with sesame, peanuts, walnuts and various ingredients, and baking it in a Nambu waffle iron. In Muromachi period (1333-1568) it used to be a staple food or daily snack. In the Edo period (1603-1868) people carried it as part of their rations when travelling because it is very light and nutritious. Today it has become one of the representative local specialties produced in Iwate and is very popular among tourists.
Photo:Sembei making at home
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Nambu Clan Daimyo-gyoretsu Procession(Click here)
 During the Edo period (1603-1868), all daimyo or feudal lords, who were recognized by the shogun to rule over their fiefs and vassals, were required to reside in Edo (now called Tokyo) every other year as a sign of loyalty. This system, called Sankin kotai, was, in principle, a military service for the shogun and also its purpose was to control the daimyo all over Japan. The expenditure necessary for both residing in Edo and for the procession to and from Edo placed huge financial strains on the daimyo and kept them from gaining too much financial or military power. Thus making revolts was extremely difficult.
Photo:The procession of Nambu clan feudal lord
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New Works (Click here)
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Rebellion of KUNOHE Masazane (1591)
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Fuji Musume - the Wisteria Maiden
(Kabuki Dance)
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