Dressed by Nature

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: “Dressed by Nature: Textiles of Japan” is an exhibition at the Minneapolis Institute of Art that features textiles and clothing worn in Japan from 1750 to 1930, with attention given to regional folk traditions as well as elegant pieces worn by the aristocracy.

The exhibit also focuses on naturally sourced textiles including materials like banana leaves, elk bark, nettle fiber and fish skin as well as cotton, silk and wool.

The designs on these clothes are inspiring with their mix of beautiful shapes and patterns.

In the exhibit, visitors travel along the archipelago of Japan, with textiles and designs from frigid Siberia to subtropical Okinawa.

“Dressed by Nature: Textiles of Japan” will be on view through Sep. 11, 2022.

And, for nighttime cultural enthusiasts, the Minneapolis Institute of Art is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., remaining open until 9 p.m. on Thursdays. (Our thanks to Robin Murray for the nighttime museum hours tip.)

Detail of late 19th-early 20th century festival cotton kimono decorated with carp ascending a waterfall cotton. Intricate pattern achieved using shibori, a shape resist technique similar to tie dye.