WORKS
EXHIBITIONS
Noriko Tsuiki’s works and exhibitions.
| 1952 | Born in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture. |
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| 1974 | Leaves the School of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Waseda University to learn the basics of Japanese dyeing and weaving through independent study and coursework. Additional studies in tsumugi-ori (pongee fabrics) and kimono fabrication in Kumejima (Okinawa), the Shinshu district, and elsewhere. |
| 1984 | Revives the dormant Kokura-ori tradition. |
| 1994 | Revives the dormant Kokura-chijimi tradition |
| 1996 | Selected as trainee for successors to the artisanal tradition by recognized contributor to the cultural heritage, Takeshi Kitamura (designated a "Living National Treasure"). Noriko Tsuiki Textile Exhibition was held at Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art. |
| 1999, 2003, 2013, 2021 | Noriko Tsuiki Textile Exhibition was held at Wako Hall, Ginza, Tokyo. |
| 2004 | Exhibited in "Cool & Light: New Spirit in Craft Making" at The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. |
| 2005 | Received the Prize for Excellence at the 25th Pola Traditional Japanese Culture Awards. Exhibited in "Wings Of Cicada", London. |
| 2007 | Stayed 80 days in London as part of a delegation of artists sponsored by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. |
| 2012 | Exhibited in "Giappone. Terra di incanti - Di linea e di colore", Museo degli Argenti, Firenze. Received the Fukuoka Prefectural Cultural Prize (Creator Division). |
| 2014 | "Noriko Tsuiki - Stripes Today", exhibition at Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art. Kikuchi Kanjitsu Memorial Museum, Musée Tomo, "Contemporary Crafts" Exhibition, |
| 2015 | received the first Kikuchi Kanjitsu Award. |
| 2016 | Exhibited in"Parabolic Stripes",INTERNI 2016 OPEN BORDERS,Miran Design Week 2016,Miran |
| 2018 | Received the Regional Person of Cultural Merit Award.(by Agency for Cultural Affarirs of Japan) |
| 2022 | received the 4th MITSUI Golden Takumi Award”Special Recognition Award” |
| 2022 | “The rebirth of Kokura Ori: The Beauty of Stripes, The Iki of Stripes - The Rebirth of Kokura Stripes from a Small Piece of Cloth” exhibition at Matsuya Ginza 7th floor, Design Gallery 1953. |
Awarded the Excellence Award of Commissioner for Cultural Affairs(2008), the Asahi Shimbun (Newspaper) Grand Prize(2010) and various awards. Since 2007, created designs for machine-woven Kokura stripes, the SHIMA-SHIMA brand. The collection was introduced overseas by Japan Brand project.
Kokura stripes were produced in Buzen Kokura, which is now named Kitakyushu city. The thick, sturdy and smooth cotton fabrics had been used for "hakama" (wide skirt-like pants worn by samurai) and "obi" (a sash worn with kimono). The warp (vertical threads), that are three times the density of the weft (horizontal threads), create the vertical stripes. A 3-dimensional effect is achieved by weaving various shades of a color within a stripe. The texture of this unique fabric is similar to that of leather. Kokura stripes were manufactured for 350 years, until the early Showa Period (1926 ~ 1989) when production ceased. Noriko Tsuiki had succeeded in reviving Kokura stripes in 1984, and they are now recognized to be the modern interpretation of a traditional craft.
Under Noriko Tsuiki's art direction, the beautiful and durable Kokura stripes were developed for factory weaving, and was launched as the KOKURA SHIMA-SHIMA collection. The fabric maintains its traditional integrity, and its new 140 cm width allows for a range of applications, from fashion to interiors. As the new generation of the traditional Kokura fabrics, KOKURA SHIMA-SHIMA is used not only by Japanese creators, but by creators from around the world.
The versatility of KOKURA SHIMA-SHIMA fabrics has inspired many new projects. Not only have the fabrics been used for various interior-related products, but they have also been used for products that incorporate the fabrics in its design. Two young Italian architects, Giada Tsuchihashi and Lorenzo Lanzani of GxL, have created a collection of lighting products by combining the KOKURA SHIMA-SHIMA fabrics with Mino washi paper and a wooden element. A KOKURA SHIMA-SHIMA collection has been created by Mosaico Digitale (Italia), that manufactures innovative mosaic tiles that are printed on a substrate then covered with resin.
The high density of the warp (vertical threads) is unique to Kokura fabrics, the warp threads form the actual stripes. This characteristic allows me to create an endless variety of beautiful stripe designs. Creating fabrics, as well as other products with these stripes is a fascinating aspect of my work, which holds endless possibilities. Conditions such as time, place and the dimensions of the stripes will invariably affect the way a stripe appears. My work will continue forever. As stated by author Shuzo Kuki, in The Structure of Iki, "parallel lines continuing on eternally, never crossing".
