Tsuge Gushi – Handcrafted Japanese boxwood combs.

These lamps are made with Katagami paper stencils. Katagami is the Japanese art of making paper stencils for kimono printing. The designs are so incredibly intricate.

Layers of thin washi are bound together and coated with persimmon tannin known as Kakishibu. Kakishibu has strengthening and waterproofing properties.

Masako reveals her amazing collection of Katagami stencils.

These intricate designs are cut using knives and punches.

The earthy colour comes from the persimmon tannin.

I fell deeply in love with this one. It’s just so beautiful.

This was once signage from Masako’s grandfather’s kimono & textile shop in Kyoto.

These are her grandfather’s original drawings. Masako has a folder full of them.

It seems Masako has inherited her grandfather’s passion for textiles.

A Japanese Temari ball. (Te=hand, mari=ball)

My eyes lit up when Masako showed me her paper stash from Kyoto.

Kashigata – a handcarved wooden mould for making traditional unbaked sweets.

I could not stop admiring these antique hair pins.

A bamboo Ikebana basket.

Beautiful Sakiori cloth.

I’m excited to share with you one of my favourite places here in Sydney. This beautiful little gallery and shop located in my old and most loved neighborhood of Darlinghurst is filled with the most wonderful collection of Japanese treasures both new and old.

Masako Masuda is the curator and owner of Masuda Gallery. She is warm and welcoming and so happy to share her knowledge of Japanese art, craft and culture. I am filled with joy in her company and inspired by all the beautiful things she has collected and put on show for all to enjoy.

If you love Japanese textiles, handicrafts and decorative arts you really must visit this gallery. It is filled with unique vintage pieces that Masako has brought back from her trips to Japan and almost everything is available to buy.

Kazari (meaning adornment in Japanese) is the theme for the current exhibition at Masuda Gallery. It is on until July 7, 2012.

Masuda Gallery
Suite 2, 28-30 Surrey Street
Darlinghurst NSW Australia 2010
masakost@gmail.com
www.masudagallery.com

images © upon a fold