t h e co l l e ctor ’s b o o k s h e lf
Japanese Contemporary Quilts and Quilters: The Story of an American Import by Teresa Duryea Wong Schiffer, 2015 ISBN-13: 978-0764348747
reviewed by Martha Sielman
Prior to World War II, Japan had no history of patchwork quilting beyond the utilitarian patching of worn clothing. Today there are an estimated 3 million quilters in Japan and quilting is a multi-million dollar business. This book traces the history of how Americans popularized patchwork quilting in Japan and how it has developed within a very different culture. Teresa Duryea Wong has written a fascinating history of how quilting created a bridge between two very different cultures as Americans traveled to Japan and Japanese traveled to the United States. This engaging narrative is coupled with in-depth profiles of important contemporary Japanese quilters, including Yoko Saito, Keiko Goke, Noriko Endo, and Yoshiko Jinzenji. More than 200 photo-
ciates, Inc. Quilt Asso Studio Art
22
Portfolio
The art quilt
sourcebook
graphs show the Japanese artists’ quilts and studios, and the antique American quilts that once inspired them. I interviewed Teresa to find out more about how she researched her book. MS: How did you come to write this book? TW: My first job after college was in television news. Later I worked as a freelance journalist, wrote for newspapers and corporations, and was the publisher of a fine art magazine covering visual and performing arts in Texas. I now dedicate most of my time to research and writing. And occasionally quilting! The lure of Japanese quilts, fabric, and aesthetics first drew me in about 10 years ago. My interest at that time can best be described as a groupie who studied
Be inspired. Be motivated. Be prepared to be captivated. This beautiful full-color volume is available now. Go to saqa.com to order Portfolio 22, the art quilt sourcebook. 192
Portfolio 22 | Studio Art Quilt Associates, Inc.
Mary Ruth Smith
44 x 40 inches (112 x 102 cm) | 2014
38 | SAQA Art Quilt Collector
figurative
photo by Sondra Brady
Waco, Texas, USA 254-296-9495 | mary_ruth_smith@baylor.edu | www.maryruthsmith.com
photo by Kerby C. Smith
Coarsegold, California, USA 559-683-3060 | lura@lura-art.com | www.lura-art.com
Granite Series: Moonlit Waters
193
Portfolio 22 | Studio Art Quilt Associates, Inc.
Lura Schwarz Smith
conceptual
Portrait Series: Hamburger 15 x 11 inches (38 x 28 cm) | 2015
