#Japan #Gunze Museum #Ayabe #Ukiyo-e Exhibition #Silk Festival

Unveiling the Silk Heritage: A Celebration at Gunze Museum

In Ayabe City, Kyoto, Gunze Museum, the birthplace of Gunze Corporation, invites visitors to immerse themselves in the intriguing history of sericulture through its upcoming events. From May 17 to May 25, under the theme ‘Touch and Experience the Memory of Sericulture,’ Gunze will present the Mini Ukiyo-e Exhibition along with the Silk Festival in collaboration with the Ayabe-based organization, Silk Town Grants.

Mini Ukiyo-e Exhibition Details

• - Duration: May 17 (Saturday) - May 25 (Sunday), from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• - Location: Gunze Museum, 2nd floor, Future Store (1 Aonocho, Ayabe City, Kyoto)
• - Admission: Free

The exhibition will showcase five select works from the museum’s Ukiyo-e collection that depict the sericulture practices during the Edo period. One prominent piece is the “Silkworm Raising Picture” by Utagawa Sadahide, illustrating the complete lifecycle from egg to cocoon.

Silk Festival Highlights

• - Duration: May 17 (Saturday) - May 25 (Sunday), from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• - Location: Gunze Museum, Shukuzou, and 2nd floor, Future Store
• - Admission: Free; participation fees for some workshops

The festival offers various engaging activities aimed at educating participants about sericulture:

1. Silkworm Experience Workshops:
- May 17, 18, 24, 25: Mulberry picking and leaves feeding experience. Location: Gunze Mulberry Garden (Free participation).
- May 17, 18: Participants can create mini woven coasters from silkworm threads and silk lamp shades. The workshop is limited to 15 people per session at 500 yen (additional 500 yen for thread pulling).
- May 18: The “Cocoon Ball” workshop, creating fascinating moving cocoon balls, limited to 10 participants, with a fee of 500 yen.
- May 24, 25: Craft making with cocoon balls, limited to 15 participants, with a fee of 500 yen.
- Times: Two sessions daily: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM. No prior reservations accepted; participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Note: Children under 6 must be accompanied by a guardian.

2. Exhibition of Sericulture Tools and Lifestyle:
- Experience historical sericulture tools firsthand.
- Discover the lifestyles, dreams, and village development strategies of sericulture farmers.
- Ayabe High School’s Agricultural Chemistry Department will present their findings on mulberry food processing.
- On May 24 and 25, attendees can purchase the processed foods created by students.
- Artistic Showcase: The museum will feature digital art that encourages visitors to explore and engage with the theme of 'spinning and discovering'.

These events offer a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history of sericulture within Ayabe City. By combining educational workshops with cultural exhibitions, participants are invited to learn and appreciate the traditions that mold this region's identity. Enjoy this fascinating journey through the world of silk, right in the heart of Kyoto.

For more information, please visit Gunze Museum's Official Site.