Japanese quilting is renowned for the strong religious and spiritual influences. Quilts were highly valued and given as markers of respect to the emperors and ruling warriors. The recipient of a quilt is being wished a long life, and the giving of quilting fabric is imbued with spiritual significance.
The Japanese have traditionally worn quilted garments, particularly jackets and house gowns. The most famous are the Yosegire patch work quilts from the 16th Century, which are made using fabric strips. These are still made and worn today, and provide both warmth and luxury. Now Japanese quilts have wonderful appliqu and embroidery, and have continued to be considered of great importance.
Quilting in Japan is both old and new. Old in that applique, quilting, and patchwork have been used for centuries in Japan, and new in that contemporary quilters in Japan have adapted western-style quilting to produce some of the world's most fascinating and beautiful quilts.
Modern Japanese quilting blends Eastern and Western techniques to create quilts of extraordinary style and beauty. Using designs borrowed from a rich decorative arts heritage, and often incorporating traditional kimono fabrics, Japanese quilters have developed a distinctive style based on unusual motifs and striking color combinations. With Japanese Quilted Blocks to Mix and Match, any quilter can create exquisite and unique works of patchwork art in the Japanese tradition.