Yamaguchi Genbei: hikihaku woven obi | V&A

[@vysharra]

Thank you for a longer video on this subject. I was sad the other one was cut off so abruptly. The additional shots and long takes are immensely appreciated. These obi are so unique as a fiber art. I can’t believe I never considered that precious stone and shell could be woven too, not just metals like gold and silver. It’s such a ‘simple’ process that is nonetheless remarkably complex with an incredibly beautiful end product (that keeps evolving over time, how delightful!).

[@SandraNelson063]

I hope Japan realizes that this man and his workers are National Treasures. They need to be supported. The people who still make swords properly are considered National Treasures, I think this man should have the same status.

[@LucianCorrvinus]

Of much of what I think I know about Japanese people... I know that they treasure their heritage and their cultural history to a greater degree than most westerners.

[@theaansel8738]

Totally agree, I also want to see how the other cultures mentioned used this art

[@nmaki4889]

@@LucianCorrvinus thank you

[@Zebula1918]

Japan honors its creators more than the United States does, and with dignity

[@kidmohair8151]

among the many philosophical values that Yamaguchi maintains, that he refers to what he does as a trade, and not an art, is the one that resonates most deeply in me

[@jimjimgl3]

"In this case I was the kiln for Matsui Fuyuko's work..." This man Genbei's ability to be an exceptional craftsman and artist but also suggest he is simply a vehicle for another artist's vision is so humbling.

[@cj4631]

This right here is why the V&A is the most wonderful institution. To delve deep into the mind of a creator is to truly understand and appreciate the art they create. When it’s someone with such a sense of duty and knowledge of historical craftsmanship it can only lead to beautiful films such as this. Whenever I get back home to the UK I do three things. Drive down to london, go to a show and spend an afternoon in the V&A absorbing knowledge. A king and Queen amongst museums!

[@cj4631]

@Meph Lest what on earth gave you that idea!? I’m as left as they get

[@cj4631]

@Meph Lest again ..WTF has this got to do with the video or my comment? Do something productive with your time x

[@cj4631]

@Meph Lest ha ha truth and context !? A comment praising a museum and the subject of its video leads you to state that I support nationalistic and xenophobic ‘political’ groups? Your grasp on truth and context seems somewhat loose. Anyway, just like I advised previously, I have more important things to do than highlight idiocy so I shall leave you to learn. Have a lovely life x

[@Pingpingwilltweet]

With all the stolen artifacts from their siege of Summer Castle in China to the treasures taken from the Maharajas of India, yes, it does have amazing galleries of the world's arts

[@djwright5686]

I don’t th😅ink this man need European help. 🎉THIS IS A SPIRITUAL ART. IT WILL CONTINUE TO EXIST. 280 yrs already.🥰🔥🌹❤️🥂🍾😻👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@laynetanley4169]

This was such a joy to watch, what an incredible artist. I had chills watching and listening.

[@buny4773]

It would be incredible to see these obi worn; to see them move, how they fold and catch the light.

[@LucianCorrvinus]

I was under the impression that an OB wasn't supposed to be fluid in movement. But then again my thoughts about the OB come from the Memoirs of a Geisha book I don't know if it's the same as the movie, however it does have very detailed descriptions of the sorts of kimono and Obie's that they would wear and how those were meant to be appreciated. And while I can agree with you would have been wonderful to see them on the appreciation still exists. These are more than just pieces of clothing they are true art.

[@MaarLindvall]

@@LucianCorrvinus u are right

[@markusskand9773]

@@LucianCorrvinus completely super- refined work beyond even elevated ceremonial use ... ultra- athestetic ! the man himself, is an aesthete ... ( i really wonder what he has sacrificed to live such a refined life... no cell phone ringing in his ear , i don't know if there is anyone as pure into their art as this man... no doubt a strong Libra placement and commitment to his anscestors...

[@chrischrischrischris5174]

@@LucianCorrvinus The costuming seen in the Memoirs of a Geisha movie sees obi actually tailored in as if they were corsets - misrepresenting their use and wear entirely. The obi worn by geisha in Kyoto are an oddity on two counts. First, they're more formal than the average person is ever going to have need of wearing - you only ever really see dyed designs, as woven design obi are less formal, though some specific weaves, like hakata ori, are worn as exceptions to this rule. Secondly, the way geisha wear obi is actually much *looser*, in reality, than the typical person wears them - and they're also worn lower on the body. Take a look at, for example, this photoset of the geisha Kanowaka of the Kanoya okiya (geisha house) of Gion Higashi, a district in Kyoto: karyukai-is-life.tumblr.com/post/183496581726/march-2019-geiko-kanowaka-%E5%8F%B6%E5%92%8C%E4%BD%B3-of-kanoya-okiya . In it, you can see that her obi is tied almost criss-crossing the body, rests on the hips, and is actually pretty loose. (As someone who's worn kimono, this is the comfiest way to wear them!) This contrasts with most prim and 'proper' kimono dressing (kitsuke) styles taught at kimono dressing schools, a thing that sprung up post-war and established more formal standards of dress which, tbh, saw the kimono ideal transformed into an uncomfortable tube shape. Look at any photo of the Imperial Royal Household's female members in kimono - what they're wearing, and how they're wearing it, is *much* more uncomfortable than the obi geisha wear. (I could go on about the costuming choices in Memoirs of a Geisha - because they were essentially gunning for a bust, a waist and shoulders, with no regards as to how to wear kimono properly - but I won't.)

[@itsgoingtobeok-justbreathe4808]

Obi don't move or flow....they are lined with very stiff material and folded into an intricate knot or bow. I would imagine with the obis shown that are 1000 years old, they are very fragile and can no longer be folded or worn, or even exposed to more than the light of a candle.

[@astraholmes8751]

Content like this is so important. I have often seen OBI in the V&A and other places and stopped and admired their beauty. But to really understand the talent and decades of skills needed to make these stunning creations, makes them so much more precious and important to me. This video blew me away. Probably some of the most beautiful things I have ever seen in my life.

[@paolagrando5079]

What a great attitude. Much respect for his knowledge and skills.

[@JLa_802]

The silver obi’s beauty in it’s tarnishing over time is such a beautiful metaphor for aging.

[@blissgirl9052]

Fantastic and precious content. There is no way that I would have a chance to meet this man in any other way than this video, but his work and his passion has affected me deeply. Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@vamuseum]

Our pleasure!

[@dloadthis1617]

Thank you for your fine exibition of rare beauty. I wish you continued peace, love, health, and happiness! 🙏❤🙏

[@jackpayne4658]

It is wonderful that a master of such a Japanese art-form can happily discuss the Persian origin of certain techniques, and the general tendency of arts to travel the world with little regard for borders.

[@rikkiharcourt3868]

A true artist on every level. Beauty in everything he things and does, artistry in his attention to detail and to the spirit of what he produces. What he has achieved is to be greatly treasured and honoured.

[@complimentary_voucher]

This was fabulous, thank you so much for this kind of content. His philosophy is everything.

[@RivvyWritesAndMakes]

It was so nice to see a follow up to the original video, which I also really enjoyed. It's so sad that these traditional crafts are dying out. I really hope they find a way to keep it going. This really transcends clothing into art.

[@TwospotzArtAndCraft]

The short version was a delight, this is an absolute treasure to watch. In my own small collection of items from the world of kimono and obi, the obi has become a dear focus with its breathtaking designs.

[@redbeki]

Absolutely fascinating. A Beautiful film. The mask one is incredible and really moving.

[@windrock]

Life and beauty. Nature and harmony ✨️ Joy and Zen. Lapis lazuli threads and the paua shell...superbe in every way. Culture is born from tumultuous times.

[@gratefulbread-_-9792]

8:42 ive never seen something so hauntingly beautiful, watched this part 20 times. what a gift to the world this artistry is

[@sijuukara]

和服は日本の素晴らしい文化です。私も着物を日常で着ていますが、とても心地よく落ち着きます。 源兵衛さんの作る物に魅了されております。

[@beadmecreative9485]

Japan is truly a treasure … they have made everything into an art. How wonderful!

[@cherry-von-bomb7837]

Kanzashi masters have had their cultural history recognised and people are trying to secure its continuance ….. time for this to be preserved Japan ! Japan is close to loosing so many culturally important artisans , I hope the v&a helps keep this beautiful work in peoples minds and some are tempted to keep these magical skills alive

[@larissawilson51]

Yamaguchi Genbei, Thank you, you have created a vision of the future, which to my shame I had lost. I shall hold your comments dear to my heart and endeavour to believe that 'New Man' shall seek beauty and culture as opposed to the dire banality of today! Such beautiful work and poetry! Compliments to All involved.

[@r8chlletters]

Marvelous. Thank you for producing this thoughtful and inspiring piece.

[@thetrapdoor6194]

This was fantastic, i really loved what he had to say 🤘💜

[@jeffcampbell1555]

I love the earthy blurring of lines in his philosophy: Fibers, dyes, shell, gold, lapis, paper; all medicines for the body and soul through touch and the eye. Is weaving an applied art? Yes. Are this weaver's obis fine art? Yes. How do his intentions differ from a painter or sculptor?

[@lynnblack6493]

Will definitely watch more of the Kimona series. And obi of course!

[@AC-ty1tr]

This is an incredible sight, his attitude to japanese styles worn by people outside japan is outstanding.

[@sjain8111]

fascinating story behind each masterwork

[@karla6074]

this beauty leaves me speechless

[@eaaaa7367]

Bonsoir, une vidéo à regarder, avec beaucoup d’égards . 🙏 . Escaline

[@scotzer]

Just fantastic! I loved the artist and his extraordinary work and philosophy of art and craft, but also loved the footage from the runway show interspersed with him speaking. Brilliant!

[@muhlenstedt]

This man loves what he does and his creations are precious in both ways, material and imaterial. I hope he and his team of can continue to produce such beauty , spite all crises.

[@watken1]

素晴らしい内容と、含蓄のあるコメントの数々が身にしみて、とても大切な視聴体験になりました。

[@naanamora3282]

This man is an authority on kimonos and obi. Watched him many times on the subject on NHK world and Japanology. A passion that passes all understanding. A true craftsman. A joy to see. Art and craftsmanship is Divine.

[@richelleg225]

So much skill and beauty! I wish there was a way they could show what these obi would look like tied though.

[@ddrubyauthor]

This was truly mesmerising. Indescribable craftsmanship and a wisdom and knowledge that extended far beyond the world of textiles. Thank you. I learned so much from this.

[@Simonjose7258]

That lapis-lazuli color is incredible!

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

So beautiful and the guy has some really interesting things to say. I’d love to hear from him more, I really appreciate what he said about natural fibres being medicine for the body.

[@arrowb3408]

That No' obi at 8:45 is a piece of art and VERY enjoying to see it in candlelight just like in 17th century. This Japanese No master introduced very thorough and let me understand the fine textile in Japanese history and time. Love all obi art in the video. Wish I could walk on Kiomizu Temple again. TOO MANY CULTURAL HERITAGES to see from arts, textile, pottery, the architecture, garden design and natures. Natsukashi na🙂

[@starcrib]

Sir Genbei- is a national treasure, a stunning artist of the highest order. This was a masterful performance of grace and knowledge. I feel better and humbled for it. Thank You. 🌿🌐🌿

[@deborahduthie4519]

So beautiful in process and appearance. I had no appreciation for the Art form before this. I am grateful for this knowledge. Exceptional workmanship craft of the ages.

[@gillboon7251]

What an amazing man

[@Orientalbackyardgarden]

What an amazing Art form. Beautiful told through this video ❤

[@LenaCabana]

Beautiful. Thank you ❤️

[@guitarchick10]

This was incredibly interesting, gorgeous pieces of art (im still mind blown at that obi with shell), but I was so tense bc of the music (at least in the first half) 😅 I loved learning about it though-i was so surprised by the vibrancy of the designs that are centuries old!

[@dalhousieDream]

This is so beautifully filmed to show the serenity and talent of this Japanese artist that it brings a tear to my eye. This man is art himself.

[@NextToToddliness]

This was quite beautiful. 💜🌵

[@lkmayhew9390]

Thank you for sharing this video with us. It was very insightful. Blessings to you !

[@atar212]

So much beauty and artistry in the creation of these divine obi. The obi at 19:20 was so exquisite I had to catch my breath.

[@pamelacorbett8774]

This is a keeper, thank you so much!

[@anitareasontobelieve378]

Truly delightful! What a wonderful man with tremendous skill! I hope he has dozens off eager students!

[@deborahduthie4519]

Stunningly beautiful works of Art and Soul.

[@jaynedough130]

such beauty, it makes my heart sing.

[@foryoumysexyman]

This man is absolutely amazing. His talent incarnate.

[@MaddalenaMalaspinaG]

Thank you so much.

[@missmona664]

Stunning. Beautiful, thoughtful and meditative.

[@donnashirk295]

True works of art, the thoughtfulness is impressive!! I’d love to get my hands on some lapis lazuli and mother of pearl threads to add to my old Japanese flat silk, gold & silver threads for hand embroidery/goldwork

[@fortylove68]

Have always loved Japanese culture and it's artisans.

[@lFathomEmotion]

This guy has wisdom

[@graziacavasino8884]

Fascinating, thank you!

[@聖治浅田]

Victoria &Albert museumが配信しているんですか？ 2,002〜2003に🇬🇧Southケンジントンのmuseumに伺いました。

[@polimare]

Just pure bliss :D

[@Missfortunerules]

just beauty full

[@Loogiemistress]

I loved this

[@consideredwhisper]

Beautiful. Thank you.

[@marthaduran9700]

Exquisito artesano, su visión del pasado histórico y de las tradiciones como asî también del presente resignifican la tarea artesanal del futuro y del porvenir humano.

[@ladykholder9925]

Very beautiful ♡

[@СветланаЧерняк-ц2д]

Красота, которая Потрясает!!! Красота, которая дарит Надежду!!! Красота, которая оставляет свой След!!! Когда человек может такое, он может ВСЁ... Как жаль что мы живём в мире, в котором созерцая подобную красоту человек грезит о ядерном превосходстве... Именно по этому Надежда умирает последней, иначе просто нет смысла жить.

[@huahindan]

Thank you for this

[@janemorrow6672]

I am full of wonder!

[@vysharra]

10:40 I saw a slight smile (with a bigger smile in her eyes behind the mask). What did you see? ((That Obi tradition is so old! 1200 yr old technique?! Amazing!!))

[@SandraNelson063]

I think you're right. I saw a young woman gently gazing into the flame, softly smiling over some memories. Those embroiderers were next level sorcerers.

[@TheIrishAnge]

That No mask embroidery was absolutely stunning, the mask was definitely smiling!

[@MsSteelphoenix]

I am lucky enough to have a number of antique kimono and obi I bought whilst in Japan. One of the obi has gold work which I couldn't identify, and I think this (or something similar) might be the technique used.

[@Josh-bd6qr]

where did you purchase them from (if you don't mind me asking!)? Any recommendations very much appreciated...

[@donnadees7031]

national treasure.

[@neoaureus]

Can you credit the music in this video please? outstanding mood and phrasing....

[@madnessintomagic]

Beautiful. I wish he’d been right about what he says towards the end about society shifting to what’s truly important/valuable, post Covid. Sadly, people aren’t so easily evolved. As a side note - I’m curious what instructions those runway models were given for how to present their faces during the show. Those are some unique and varied ‘tudes.

[@jeraldbaxter3532]

This is an excellent documentary, and the most important message is given during the portion about this period of covid. While beauty is always sought by humans, it seems that it is during times of crisis that the most innovations are born, the most beautiful things created- beauty out of chaos. It is understandable, as we need beauty for our spirit. In times of peace, we are content to admire whatever beauty there is around us, but in times of chaos, some are motivated to create beauty as a way to counter balance this chaos.

[@MrHatLOL]

lovely video, could anyone tell me what's the music at 13:50 ? its very familiar but I cant remember where I heard it first.

[@leepizarro]

Wow

[@maryusa8526]

The mask seems to be a Mona Lisa of Japanese woven artwork

[@DarkMoonDroid]

Wow!!!

[@mohebbi71]

that silver obi, slowly changing with time, humidity and accumulated tarnish is going to haunt me for some time.

[@yelenawhitmer1329]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@TheFiown]

Didn't Japan take the culture of the kimono from the ancient chinese dress? Along with a few other techniques ?

[@yumikotoyama838]

Japanese culture adopted the Era of Tang Dynasty. After that they were isolated from the mainland China which during that time the Japanese evolved and cultivated their unique culture of their own. The art of Obi never flourish by the Chinese but they definitely are culture that takes art of silk embroidery seriously. It is hard to say who is better in my opinion.

[@HolographicSweater]

if you like this you will love Gibi Boobobi’s woven Yodamimi Mamujoji ubu

[@シリウスねこ]

にゃ💕にゃ💕にゃん💕 💖😝💖✨✨🛼✨✨✨

[@พี่เปี๊ยกป้าจิม]

The one with the mask OMG.

[@voraciousreader3341]

I wish we could have seen an obi on a woman, so we could see his fabulous work in that light, although he isn’t actually the artist anymore, bc we see others at the looms, not him. Designing is one thing, but in this case, the artistry is in realizing the designs, a long, tedious, exacting process. It’s so strange that they would show men in his kimonos, but the obi are silent.

[@___InvalidUsername]

I'm not crying, you're crying

[@TACallender]

Can you still wear the silver obi, or is it only for display, what I meant is would something like that be handed down to be worn like here in America a dimiond ring is passed down to be worn.

[@vamuseum]

Yes, the obi are made to be worn - and they are!

[@ediapaff8858]

that is one cool dude UwU

[@TACallender]

It's incredible he's using material made over 100 years ago in his family business. American businesses were the same way before greed and the government got involed.

[@ChadCBuxton]

5:31 SO sacred in my culture. in my culture Lead Foil or Phoil is SO or so sacred. In Orem, UTAH culture LEAD is veery sacred in the FOIL form. 00

[@DirtyRobot]

Why is he making OBI???? He should be teaching young people how to be awesome.

[@seanalye8434]

Can we get another asmr doe

[@vamuseum]

We're on it - watch this space!

[@МаринаДенисова-и5я]

ГРАБИТЕЛИ НАродов СССР!!! ВОН из РУСИ!!! НЕ ПРОСТИМ, КАРА НАВАС!!! ВЕРНИТЕ ВСЁ!!!!

[@fireopal001]

Music made me turn it off.

[@wryckingbaul8612]

The presenter is a nice enough lady but I was dying waiting for her to say the next word in her thought! Oh, my God! I could barely finish watching!

[@hotmeish]

❤❤❤