Mothers of Invention
25 Millennia of Innovation
Curated by Marijke Kerkhoven and Dr. Elizabeth Barber
Obi Jacquard Silk
Japan
1920's
How to Make Kimono Fabric
The process of making Obi silk kimonos is explained.
Obi Sash
The obi was a simple narrow sash worn about the waist to hold the folds of the kimono in place.
Drawloom
The complex patterns demanded at the royal courts of Asia and Europe required warp threads to be drawn individually. This was accomplished by the invention of the Draw Loom. At least 2 people were needed to work the drawloom. The weaver and the assistants, called drawboys, who were told to pull the various combinations of pulleys.
Threads of Time
The Royal Ontario Museum has an on-line exhibit featuring textiles woven on the Drawloom.
Mothers of Invention
A virtual gallery of images from the Mothers of Invention Exhibit.
Museum for Textiles
The Museum for Textiles in Toronto, Ontario has an international reputation for the breadth of its ethnographic collection and exhibition programming. Their website has additional information about their programs, exhibits and virtual galleries.
