AsiaStore

AsiaStore Buying Trip: Day 8 Hong Kong

2008-07-24T09:53:00.002-05:00

Today I'm meeting with several of our key designers brands to discuss fall/holiday assortments as well as collaborative opportunities for the season. First stop is Shanghai Tang where Chinese design is combined with a contemporary sensibility. Here the brand is taking a bit of a new direction with women's design director Joseph Lee at the helm. While the core classics will continue, the new look seeks to revitalize Chinese design by interweaving it with the 21rst century resulting in a vibrant fusion of "East meets West". I'm excited about many of the new accessories collections and look forward to having a strong Shanghai Tang presence at AsiaStore for the opening of the fall exhibitions. In addition to the new accessory products, we also discussed the possibility of a special holiday sales event in early December. Watch your emails...we'll forward details as available.

Next stop Causeway Bay to visit with Dick So, the export manager for G.O.D. (Goods of Desire), the innovative brand, founded by Douglas Young. G.O.D. is a Cantonese expression meaning "to live better" and Douglas infuses that philosophy into his merchandising strategy. Here furniture, home accents, stationery, jewelry and accessories evoke the Hong Kong spirit, integrating Hong Kong culture with a fun, vibrant shopping experience. While the Yaumati, Newpaper and Letter Box prints are still favorites, I was excited to see the extensive range of product offerings. I especially liked the gift wrap and stationery items and love forward to incorporating them into our fall product assortment !

My final meeting of the day is at the home and studio of Kai Yin Lo. She has been quite busy with her numerous design projects, most recently with a design conference that paired 10 leading Hong Kong designers with 10 world class brands. The collaborative project shows how elements of Chinese culture have influenced and inspired distinctive design. The products resulting from this collaboration will be showcased in New York this fall. Kai-Yin Lo's distinctive style is an infusion of Taoist principles, noteably "unequal eqalibrium". Although asymmetrical in approach, balance is achieved through volume and color. The collection for fall/holiday is focuses on semi precious stones, pearl, crystal and amber with silver accents...the pieces are dramatic and eye-catching with signature Kai-Yin Lo touches. Kai-Yin will also be joining us for a personal appearance in October showcasing an expanded collection of her work. I had the opportunity to preview some of the unique new designs she'll be featuring at the sales event...you won't want to miss this collection ! We'll be emailing you details about the fall sales event next month.

Time to call it a day...sunset at Sevva will conclude things quite nicely !!

AsiaStore Buying Trip: Day 7 Beijing/Hong Kong

2008-07-23T11:23:00.003-05:00

Today begins with early morning meeting with Michelle, the creative director for Geoff's company. We review all the products sourced during my Beijing visit and discuss the follow up needed to get these fabulous finds back to AsiaStore ! I have a couple of hours to kill before my plane departed for Hong Kong, so Michelle kindly offers to take me around to a few of her favorite shops. I absolutely fell in love with Spin, a unique ceramics boutique that showcases the creative inspiration of Hong Kong native (current NY resident) Gary Wang. Simple, elegant, organic and fluent are a few of the adjectives used to describe these innovative pieces. I especially like the oversized coffee mugs..the perfect cup to get you through your morning. I plan to follow up with Gary and his colleagues when I return ...we're going to have to find a way to bring Spin ceramics to AsiaStore !

As much as I'd like to continue to browse the streets with Michelle, it's time to head to the airport. I have left plenty of time as I don't want a repeat performance of my last flight...can you say 45 minutes !! The Olympic shops at the airport are hopping, there's a definite buzz in the air. I run into the New Zealand women's volleyball team on my way to the gate. There's also a group of Chinese men outfitted in Nike sport apparel....not sure what sport they play, but they do appear to be Olympic bound. My flight itself is uneventful and I arrive in Hong Kong on schedule. Rita is there to meet and welcome me to Hong Kong. After getting settled at the hotel, we take a tram up the mountain to "The Peak" where we enjoy a glass of wine and the views of Hong Kong at night.

AsiaStore Buying Trip: Day 6 Beijing

2008-07-23T10:12:00.004-05:00

Sorry for the delay in posting...there have been some technical difficulties with my wireless, but now the connection has been restored and my travel log continues ! This morning we are off to the Silk Market....it sounds intriguing, but it's more like an indoor mall than a treasure trove of textiles and silks. Nothing fabulous here. I prefer the Pearl market for it's variety of product and selection. Next stop the Furniture Market where I do come across some interesting decorative accents. I am especially intrigued with the metallic pewter painted window frames, as well as the lacquer ladders and some lovely white stone Buddha heads. On my way out of one showroom, I notice a lovely bowl of pins and mirror covers fashioned from kimono fabrics. You're going to love these !

Next stop Liulichang, also known as "cultural street" where we browse through the various shops and galleries. Calligraphy and painting supplies, tea accouterments and novelties seem to be the staples of the street. Here I am introduced to Mr Yang Shi Hua, a master scroll painter along with a third generation reverse glass painting expert. I have the pleasure of watching them and seeing their creativity unfold. The pride they take in their art is clearly visible. You don't need to understand Chinese to understand the passion they have for their work.

After a morning a browsing, we need a little sustenance so we head to a local dumpling house, to sample some Chinese "fast food"...I have to tell you they have Mcdonalds' beat !!

Before leaving Beijing I do want to take in a few of the sites, so we head over to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City to play tourist and walk around the square, posing for a couple of key photo ops before calling it a day.

AsiaStore Buying Trip: Day 5 Beijing

2008-07-20T07:51:00.008-05:00

After a restful evening and a lovely breakfast buffet , I find myself fully recovered from my travel debacle ! I am welcomed to Beijing by AsiaStore supplier Geoff Carroll and his colleague Fan Fan. Geoff has kindly offered to play host during my visit, accompanying me through the marketplaces of Beijing. Geoff and his partner have been doing business out of China for the past decade and have their finger on the pulse of the city's offerings. Our day begins at Panjiayuan Antique and Curio Market, also known as the "Dirt Market". This weekend market features both permanent shops abundance of dealers whose wares are displayed on the ground under a massive tin roof. Aisles of products are grouped by category: jewelery, textiles, wall art, ceramics, calligraphy, metalware etc. Bargaining is the name of the game here, but it does appear that the dealers have upped their price expectations thanks to the Olympic traffic. We hit the aisles with mission, in search of the unique and innovative. Several hours later we feel we've ferreted out the best of the best. Our favorites...where do I begin? Lots of exciting product including wood rice carriers painted in the Tibetan style; folk art prints and coasters; agate calligraphy brushes, chops and bangles and pendants; minority silver jewelry; engraved bamboo brush pots; Mao card packs, totes, lighters, memorabilia; collectible coins and the list goes on ! It took several hours, but we've thoroughly and scoured the market. time for a quick diet coke break...a girl's got to have her caffeine ! Next stop Lady Street and then we take time to check out a couple of boutiques in the area. We conclude the day at Hong Qiao "Pearl Market" where we are on the hunt for great summer jewelry options. We are not disappointed ! Our search ends with freshwater pearls highlighted on a rubber modern cord; etched silver and glass bead bracelets; and shimmer glass heart pendants on a wire collar. With our orders placed and the market closing, we decide to call it a day. Tomorrow's schedule is finalized over dinner as Geoff treats us to a trendy Chinese feast...my taste buds are still sizzling from the spicy delights !

AsiaStore Buying Trip: Day 4.5 Shanghai/Beijing

2008-07-20T07:16:00.002-05:00

I'm of to a bit of a rocky start. Not having checked my flight schedule carefully, I ended up in the wrong terminal . By the time I made it over to the correct terminal, I was told that the my flight closed 45 minutes prior to departure and it was now 42 minutes prior to departure, so I would not be allowed on board (can you say inflexible !!). Despite channeling my inner New Yorker, I could not convince the ticketing agent to allow me on the flight. I was told that the next flight departing from PuDong was at 9pm (5 hrs later). My only option was to cab it over to Hong Qiao (an hour away) where I was able to catch the 6pm flight to Beijing. From there things went rather smoothly. I arrived safely in Beijing and enjoyed the car ride through the city, where last minute Olympic preparations were underway, with billboards and banners welcoming athletes and tourists alike !

Asiastore Buying Trip: Day 4 Shanghai

2008-07-19T08:21:00.001-05:00

Last day in Shanghai ! Rita and I head over to Xintiandi for breakfast . Xintiandi is in the French concession, where old homes have been converted to stores and restaurants. Full of charm and style, this area is home to Shanghai Tang, Simply Life and many other chic establishments. Rita and I browse through the shops and check out the product offerings.
From there we head to Han Feng's studio. Unfortunately Han Feng is in the US finalizing costumes for The Bonesetter's Daughter which will premier in San Francisco, however she has kindly asked her assistant to give us access to the studio where we get first look at the opera costumes (including the magnificent wedding dress!) as well as her new fall collection that takes it's inspiration from this exciting opera project. The shimmering wraps and scarves are a "must have" and are on their way back to AsiaStore as we speak ! Next stop, Yue-Sai Kan's new home concept, House of Yue-Sai featuring gifts and signature home items from all over the world.

Now over to the Portman for a quick browse through the exclusive shops. I especially love Lilly's boutique. She has recently engaged a Japanese designer who has done some interesting handbag interpretations. After a lovely lunch at the popular Elements, it's time to grab my overflowing bags and head to the airport.

Goodbye Shanghai...next stop Beijing !

AsiaStore Buying Trip: Day 3 Shanghai

2008-07-18T09:12:00.001-05:00

Back to the commercial haven that is Old Street, where we hit the streets in search of unique novelties. Our bargaining powers are once again tested as we negotiate with some shrewd merchants ! Thank goodness we stocked up on expandable totes as every bag we had was full to overflowing, packed full with fun treasures galore! Highlights for the day include Mao alarm clocks and smoke tins; opera mask bottles openers; hand painted floral scrolls; agate pendants with beaded accents on silk cords; Shanghai silk mini notebooks and longevity coasters as well as a wonderful collection of miniature minority tribe dolls.

We hurry back to the "Treasures Building" and duck under the gated entrance, just as they are closing the doors for the day. We dash back to Rita's jade dealer where he and his wife are anxiously awaiting our review of the completed jade sculptures and the jade zodiac pendants. There are smiles all around as I tell them how thrilled I am with the results!

It's 7:30pm and we're still going ! Our final stop of the day is with Rita's pearl supplier. Here Rita and the supplier demonstrate the fine art of pearl selection. Color, luster, shape, texture and size all
factor into the selection process. I chose a grouping of pink and white freshwater pearls that will be accented on a delicate silver filigree chains. Another quick glance around the showroom and I spot these wonderful agate pendants. Each is a dramatic free form shape highlighted with decorative silver wiring. We decide to feature the unique pieces on thickly braided silk cord.
That's it for today...time for a quick bite to eat over in Xiantiandi where we dine outdoors and take in the lively chic scene.

AsiaStore Buying Trip: Day 2 Shanghai

2008-07-17T13:27:00.006-05:00

Today Rita Chung, a favorite AsiaStore jewelry designer, joins me from San Francisco. Despite the airline having lost her luggage, Rita shows up at my hotel with a big smile, full of energy and enthusiasm. She'll be accompanying me in both Shanghai and Hong Kong, with plans to introduce me to all her favorite shopping areas.

First stop is the Old City where we headed over to the Dong Tai "Antiques" Market (note I use the word antiques very loosely !). This outdoor market takes places on 2 perpendicular streets lined with stalls on both sides. Not many of the dealers spoke English, but not to worry, Rita was my interpreter/negotiator extraordinaire ! After browsing through a few stalls I got into the swing of things and honed in on some particularly lovely pieces.

My favorites included the filigree fragrance globes and the darling Tibetan silver shoes and Rita found a beautiful grouping of handmade silver buttons that she'll be incorporating into a future AsiaStore jewelry collection ! With temperatures close to 100, Rita and I decide to head indoors for a brief respite from the heat.

Next stop the "treasures" building where we scoured the 4 floors in search of our own treasures. My finds included several bamboo brush pots engraved with lovely Chinese poems. This required some long and hard negotiations, as the supplier did not seem willing to part with them. We then headed downstairs to meet with Rita's key jade supplier. Here I selected a lovely grouping jades that I'm having suspended from individual rose wood frames...spectacular ! I also spotted some carved jade zodiac pendants that the supplier will have made into necklaces. We'll stop back tomorrow to see how everything turned out !

Off to the wholesale building to catch the last half hour before closing. Despite the ailses crowded with every product imaginable, my eyes honed in on an old AsiaStore favorite. Yes Alan, the magnetic bracelets...they will be back, better than ever ! I quickly selected my colors and negotiated my purchase as the doors where closing on what was a very productive day. Though hot and tired both Rita and I are thrilled with the results. No rest for the weary as we grab a taxi and head over to the mall to check out Tofu, a new a new accessories store where Rita's designs are prominently featured. The CEO of the project is a friend of Rita's and he's invited us to his headquarters tonight for dinner and a tour of the concept.

AsiaStore Buying Trip: Day 1 Shanghai

2008-07-15T17:53:00.008-05:00

After an early morning arrival in Shanghai (3:30am !), I am off to Tree Art Studio, the creative hub of Wang Shu Hui, a talented Shanghai ceramic artisan whose work I have admired. Wang's creation themes include clothes, food, housing and traffic. " My artworks remind people to love all the details of life". For his food creations he choses "Jiaozi", widely known as good folk food, symbolizing reunion and jubilation. I just love them ! His most recent work revolves around Mao, the perfect tie in to our upcoming fall exhibition on Art and China's revolution.

Just as I am leaving the studio, I spot some lovely hand painted discs that would make great necklaces...a must have ! Each is a unique one of a kind art piece and will be accented with a hand braided cord.

Now off to the Bund for a quick browse through the designer collections and a stop at our Asia Society offices. Then it's back to the hotel, as my jet lag is kicking in !

AsiaStore Buying Trip 2008

2008-07-14T19:16:00.001-05:00

I am off to Asia, seeking out the very best in Asian design ! This year my travels take me to Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong where I am on the lookout for fabulous product to showcase in conjunction with our upcoming fall focus on China Modern. Follow my travels through the marketplaces, studios and workshops of China where you will see exciting new products, meet creative designers and artisans, and view the production process. We have 2 weeks and an action packed itinerary !

AsiaStore Goes Eco Chic: Recycled Accessories

2008-07-08T15:17:00.006-05:00

"XS means excess...XSProject started as an artist's expression against the impact of consumerism on the environment."

Amy Wizer's XSProject is a design effort finding new ways of utilizing consumer waste to create stylish and fun accessories that help to reduce our impact on the environment! Wizer’s quirky use of unlikely materials, including drinking straws and toothpaste tubes, demonstrates a creative way to reduce the increasing mountains of trash found throughout Southeast Asia.

Visit AsiaStore today to check out Wizer's collection of recycled totes, pencil cases, wallets, cosmetic bags, lunch boxes and other earth-friendly, eco chic products from our AsiaStore designers.

AsiaStore brings the best of Asia to you!

AsiaStore Goes Eco Chic: Recycled Glass Vessels

2008-07-02T13:40:00.001-05:00

Bali based design duo Putu and Dragan have created stunning vessels of hand blown recycled glass exclusively for AsiaStore. Each piece is hand signed and accented with a deity stopper.

Dragan is an accomplished interior, furniture, and glass designer, while Putu is a creative entrepreneur who built his own kiln from scratch. The result of their collaboration: one of kind pieces that are dynamic works of art.

To see Putu and Dragan's one-of-a-kind collection and other earth-friendly collections visit AsiaStore today!

AsiaStore Goes Eco Chic: Furochic Wraps

2008-06-26T16:06:00.004-05:00

Jenny Wren's mission is to bring colorful, fun and beautiful art to the market that makes one feel positive, inspired and creative. With her Furochic Wraps, she also offers an earth-friendly alternative to wrapping paper.

Based on Furoshiki, a square cloth traditionally used in Japan to wrap shopping purchases and embellish important gifts, Furochic is made of 100% cotton and measures 27" X 27". Furochic comes with a full yard of tying ribbon, a matching card and illustrated instructions for wrapping techniques.

Furochic has a life long after the present has been opened and can be turned into a no-sew handbag, pillow covering, scarf, patchwork quilt or used to re-wrap another gift.

Be sure and visit AsiaStore to check out Furochic Wraps and other earth-friendly merchandise!

AsiaStore Goes Eco Chic: Nima Oberoi

2008-06-17T11:21:00.009-05:00

AsiaStore goes Eco Chic with the spotlight on Nima Oerboi's unique dining ware and chargers made of recycled aluminum. Originally from Chandigarh, India, Nima infuses the traditional craftsmanship of her birthplace with a modern design sensibility. Her desire to create collections that reflect her urban, cosmopolitan lifestyle takes form in the bold designs she creates. Nima is equally committed to the environment, crafting her pieces from recycled materials that lessen the impact upon the earth’s precious resources. Be sure and visit AsiaStore to see Nima's new summer collection!

AsiaStore Goes Eco Chic!

2008-06-11T09:04:00.001-05:00

AsiaStore spreads the environmental message in style with earth-friendly collections from our AsiaStore designers. AsiaStore features products that lessen the impact on the environment. Sustainable, reusable, recyclable, and organic are all the focus this summer.

AsiaStore brings the best of Asia to you!

AsiaStore Spotlights:Ardeshir Mohassess: Art and Satire in Iran

2008-06-04T16:58:00.005-05:00

AsiaStore is proud to present the exhibition catalog for Asia Society's current exhibition Ardeshir Mohassess: Art and Satire in Iran. Ardeshir Mohassess is considerd to be one of the most significant living Iranian artists today. The catalog features approximately 70 of Mohassess's rarely-seen drawings, on loan from the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. In addition, it is the first publication to include full color reproductions of the artist's drawings throughout his career.

Exclusively at AsiaStore and AsiaStore.org are a limited number of signed copies of the exhibition catalog, each featuring an original and unique sketch! Stop by AsiaStore or order your copy online at AsiaStore.org today while supplies last!

AsiaStore Spotlights Persian Enamel

2008-05-30T15:50:00.001-05:00

At AsiaStore we are always on the lookout for new and exciting products from Asia. So when our colleague Rachel Cooper, Director of Cultural Programs, traveled to Iran, we couldn’t resist asking her to bring us back some treats for the store. She did not disappoint!

Rachel visited the Bazaar in Isfahan: the prime center for the production of enamel in Iran. The art of Persian enamel, which is called mina kari, has been around for over 3,000 years. In enamel work, the surface of a particular metal is painted of colorful luster. Afterwards, suitable amounts of heat in a special furnace are needed to stabilize the color.

Rachel brought us a beautiful grouping of enamel; each plate is unique and represents the lovely aesthetics of Persian art. Stop by AsiaStore to view and purchase these original pieces!

AsiaStore Spotlights: Nasser Ovissi

2008-05-22T15:52:00.005-05:00

“My work is dedicated to the beauty of life and I hope those who experience my work will walk way with an experience of beauty.”
- Nasser Ovissi

Ovissi is one of the living legends of Contemporary Iranian art, helping initiate the modern art movement in Iran in the 1960s. A painter, sculptor, engraver, designer and goldsmith, Ovissi continues to be an inspiration in the field, firmly established as a brilliant and versatile international artist whose passionate work presents a unique blend of European, Persian and contemporary art.

“Beauty is my main motivation in life. It has drawn me to the creative process and caused my art to be a reflection of all things I find to embody beauty. I pay homage to the horse because it is a creature that has served man in innumerable ways. The horse encompasses beauty, elegance and strength. I also honor the beauty of women in my work. Women and horses are always companions and they are complimented by rich colors, instruments, pomegranates and flowers.”

AsiaStore is proud to present the work of this dynamic artist.

Highlights include:

Hand painted ceramic bowls, plates and vases, featuring 18 karat gold detailing, signed by the artist.

Limited edition prints saturated with wonderful Persian mythology and folklore and complimented by rich colors and bold lines.

Limited edition silk scarves and ties blending modern design with ancient Persian folklore.

Visit AsiaStore to see more of Nasser Ovissi’s accessories collection.

AsiaStore Spotlights Asian American Designers

2008-05-16T14:28:00.007-05:00

Asian American Heritage month is underway and AsiaStore is proud to feature the inspiring works of talented Asian American designers and artisans. Highlights include ceramics by Karen Ford, metalwork by Nima Oberoi, silk jackets by Richard Tsao, scarves and shawls by Han Feng and Yuh Okano, jewelry by Coomi Bhasin, Rita Chung, Hannah Ha, Kristina Kada, Alice Kuo, Zina Kao, Rosena Sammi and stationery by Nayana Jha.

"AsiaStore is a unique retail environment that showcases the creative works of Asian and Asian American artisans," said Anne Godshall, AsiaStore's Chief Merchandising Officer. "Special outreach, such as designer showcases, have enabled AsiaStore to promote exciting new designers, many of whom are being shown exclusively at the Asia Society. AsiaStore's efforts to offer a venue for the works of Asian and Asian American artisans goes hand in hand with the Museum's efforts to bring traditional and contemporary Asian and Asian American art to a broader audience."

Designer Spotlight: Polli Jewelry- designed to be unique

2008-05-12T14:16:00.000-05:00

Australians Maja Bartlett and Tess Llyod are the creative inspiration behind Polli designs. The duo met in 1999 while studying Industrial Design at the University of Technology in Sydney - Polli was born of the duo's shared interests in design, craft culture, and fashion.

Polli designs are strongly influenced by the pairs' respective backgrounds and cultural experiences gleaned through study and travel. The collection features bold and unique designs that play with form, pattern and light. The pieces are etched from thin sheets of metal, creating intricate patterns that are both light and comfortable to wear.

Shop AsiaStore for the latest Polli designs !

AsiaStore: Niche Award Nominee !

2008-04-25T13:41:00.007-05:00

AsiaStore has been selected as a nominee in Niche magazine's 2008 Top Retailer Awards in the category of "Best In Store Event" for AsiaStore's 2007 Designer Showcase. Sponsored by Niche magazine, the exclusive trade publication for progressive retailers of fine craft, the Top Retailer Awards program recognizes the nation's best retailers for growing and strengthening the American Craft community. Niche polled more than 10,000 professional craft artists throughout North America who nominated galleries, retail stores, museums and guilds for the 2008 Top Retailer Awards.

AsiaStore's Japanese Focus

2008-04-18T15:58:00.000-05:00

In conjunction with Asia Society's opening of the exhibition Designed for Pleasure: The World of Edo Japan in Prints and Paintings, AsiaStore presents a focus on Japanese design. Stop by AsiaStore to see our wonderful assortment of heirloom hina and kokeshi dolls, vintage obi pillows, kimonos quilts by Karen Brock and textiles by Alex, Sugahara glass sake sets, batik accessories by Tomako Hiraco, origami paper, washi paper tea canisters and cast iron teapots, and many more products that delight and surprise! Pick up a copy of the exhibition catalog in store or explore our selection of recommended reading online at AsiaStore.org.

AsiaStore Focus: Contemporary Japanese Textiles

2008-04-04T13:13:00.002-05:00

Throughout Japanese history, textiles have evolved into an exquisite art form that subtly conveys elegance and style. The unique qualities of the textiles, achieved through the skills of individual artisans. AsiaStore is proud to feature the work of 2 contemporary textile artists whose work reflects an indulgence for unique materials, innovative techniques and meticulous, time consuming artistic detail.

NUNO
NUNO weaves art and science into an exciting range of new expressions in contemporary fabric. Threads with "incompatible" shrink ratios are intertwined and tossed into a hot dryer to yield unprecedented sculptural textures. Metallic films are bonded to conventional threads, then melted to create transparent filigrees. Computer-programmed looms dance to digitally-enhanced African tribal patterns. Chemically-reprocessed Okinawan banana fiber-coated cottons complement laboriously hand-finished synthetics. That is the creativity of NUNO.

Textiles Yuh
Japanese textile designer Yuh Okano is a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design. The designer divides her time between her home in New York, and Kiryu Japan, where her fabrics are produced. Her one of a kind fabrics reflect her attraction to the delicate patterns and textures found in nature; the scent of the air after a storm, the soft patter of raindrops on wet grass, falling leaves as they twirl through the sky.

The Traditional Kimono Reinterpreted

2008-03-20T11:11:00.004-05:00

Kimonos, the national costume of Japan, have traditionally been worn for special occasions such as tea ceremonies and weddings. One only needs to look to the runways to see how they serve as inspiration for many of today's designers. These T-shaped robes have also found new life in the creations of AsiaStore designers Georganne Alex and Karen Brock.

Designer Georganne Alex is recognized for combining vintage kimono fabric and contemporary silk in her accessories collection. Her use of the pin weaving technique allows one to see and appreciate the unique qualities and beauty of the individual fabrics. Alex finds great satisfaction in creating new from old – the excitement that comes from seeing and feeling fresh patterns, textures and colors emerge as the various fabrics unite.

Combine an entrepreneurial textile artist with a person who loves to travel Asia, and you have Karen Brock. An Oregon based artist, Karen travels to Japan twice a year where she seeks out the unique kimonos that become the basis for her distinctive quilts. Her favored kimonos are furisode, the formal long sleeved kimono for unmarried women with colorful patterns throughout and tomesode, worn by married women, with patterns beneath the waistline. Both decorative and practical, Karen's one of a kind textile creations are works of art.

Visit AsiaStore at Asia Society and Museum to view and purchase the unique work of Karen Brock and Alex.

AsiaStore Focus: Japanese Dolls

2008-03-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

In conjunction with Asia Society's opening of the exhibition Designed for Pleasure: The World of Edo Japan in Prints and Paintings, AsiaStore presents a focus on Japanese design. Dolls play a large role in Japanese society, and among the new collections at AsiaStore are a wonderful collection.

Hina Dolls
Beautiful dolls such as these would have been displayed for the celebration of Girls’ Day in Japan. Once a year on this day, Japanese families take out their collection of Hina Dolls for display

Most families would collect the dolls gradually and hand them down from mother to daughter. Since Hina dolls are meant for display rather than play. Hence the dolls have spent most of their loved in storage, preserving them in excellent condition.

Kokeshi Dolls
Japanese Kokeshi Dolls or Ningyo are hand-made from wood and originated from the hot spring areas of Tohoku region of northern Japan. This craft of making Kokeshi dolls has been handed down from generation to generation and has spread throughout Japan.

Characterized by a simple trunk and an enlarged head with a few thin, painted lines to define the face, the body has a floral design painted in red, black, and sometimes yellow, and covered with a layer of wax. One characteristic of Kokeshi dolls is their lack of arms or legs and bottom is generally marked with the signature of the artist.

Momiji Dolls
Momiji Dolls are the contemporary adaptation of the original Kokeshi—folk art dolls given as tokens of love and friendship to family and friends.

Discover the irresistible charm of these adorable dolls! Turn them upside down and find a tiny card inside the base to write your own greeting. Each doll comes with a heart sticker, a collector’s card with a “happy message”, and a very small postcard illustrating the complete selection. Dolls are continually created and retired, making them delightful collector’s items!