Expressions in Indigo: The Textile Art of Fukumoto Shihoko

Fukumoto Shihoko is one of Japan’s leading exponents of shibori and indigo dyeing.

Shihoko uses subtle shades of blue and natural materials to create luminous wall hangings and installations that covey the sensation of deep and fragile space.

Shihoko says of her work: “I have always felt that the colour of the natural indigo dye of Japan has about it a spirituality; a special purity and beauty. I feel strongly that indigo dyeing embodies in my work a certain consciousness of space that I contain within myself.” 

Shihoko’s works have evolved from a Japanese folk tradition of shibori and indigo dyeing dating from the Heian period (794-1192).  She works with a variety of materials such as silk-covered washi, hemp and other natural fibres.  Her innovations in labour intensive, age-old techniques create a fresh expression of beauty.  

In 2001, Shihoko participated in Textural Space, a collaborative exhibition which toured various parts of the UK and was partially funded by The Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation. Shihoko has pieces in the permanent collection of the American Craft Museum and also in private collections such as that of Donna Karan.  She has had solo shows in Sweden and Japan and has won a number of prizes for her work.

Fukumoto Shihoko was born inOsaka,Japan, in 1945.  She studied oil painting at the Kyoto City University of Arts before she took up indigo dyeing and shibori resist techniques.  Her research in this area took her through traditional Japanese dyeing methods and led her to explore Tibetan shibori cross dyeing as well. Fukumoto has participated in various exhibitions including the 13th International Tapestry Biennial inLausanne, Switzerland, in 1987, where she won first prize.  She has had solo exhibitions throughout Japan, as well as in America and Sweden.