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Exclusive accents for the home
In recent historical times, Nihon Shishu was largely carried out on expensive silk kimonos and obis. Today the exquisite thread work can also animate small panelled screens, cushion covers, runners, jewellery box covers, picture frames—and a hanging scroll or tapestry, They all provide unique accents for the home. Homes, restaurants and hotels For a dramatic focus for a foyer, an obi length or part of it with Nihon Shishu work and different sections of the obi attached could form an impressive banner. Since kimonos and obis are typically sold in full rolls or fully made-up pieces and not by the metre, more fabric than is needed for the embroidery (where available) can be used to complement or enhance the finished product. Apparel and accessories Accessories, in particular, attain a whole different level with the value addition of Nihon Shishu. Handbags, for instance, belts, sashes. I have designed a whole series of ‘jewellery’ incorporating Nihon Shishu, that often straddles the line between jewellery and accessories/apparel and makes for a very interesting and unique concept. In all this, it is important to remember that Nihon Shishu is not to be confused with the generic ‘embroidery’. Its striking imagery, silken radiance, delicacy of colour and shading and stitches and muted use of gold and silver define its uniqueness and contribute to an understated elegance that is best appreciated for its own sake. Just as my skills are not limited to Nihon Shishu and Suiboku-ga/Sumi-e (I have had brief exposure to Shibori and Calligraphy), my cultural experience is not limited to Japan. Having spent my childhood and young adult years here in India, I have lived and travelled in South East Asia. I must admit my sensibilities are far-ranging as I have truly admired and respected all the cultures I have encountered and have been eager to learn from them. |
Calligraphy by Sujata Srinivasan
Portion of 'Hanabi', Nihon-Shishu by Sujata Srinivasan
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SUIBOKU-GA/SUMI-E
The use of Sumi-e in products points to a much greater degree of personalisation than can be achieved by digital art. The paper is made by hand, the brush is not only handmade but also customised and the charcoal ink is also the result of “hands-on” labour. As such, it is a wonderful idea for gifts, even for those who have “everything” or “too much” or especially for them! I apologise for the digression, but I wish to recount a recent encounter with a young gentleman on the flight to Japan. I noticed he was scribbling things in his paper notebook from time to time. After some time, overcome by curiosity I asked him if he was an artist. It was inconceivable to me, that in this day and age, there would be someone who would otherwise (if he was not an artist) seek to do anything non-electronically!! Imagine my utter surprise when he said he was not an artist but simply loved paper! 
'Squirrels' - Charcoal Ink Painting with colour by Sujata Srinivasan
Suiboku-ga/Sumi-e have the inherent ability to bring some tranquillity, whether it is through lampshades, window or stand-alone screens or simply pictures on our desks, into our lives. “Look,” they seem to say, “ we are only black ink and water and white paper and yet how much depth, how much unstated or half-stated that you can lose yourself in. Is it because we remind you of things known and forgotten, the bamboo buffeted by the wind, the aroma of flowers in spring?”
Bean bags made of scrap material used in traditional Japanese game - 'Otedama'
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