Tokyo International Quilt Festival Part 2

I only attended the Tokyo Quilt Festival for one day, but I wish I had gone back a second day so I could spend more time with the quilts.  After battling through the crowds at the vendors and then staring at quilts, with no natural light in the dome, I started to get a brain freeze.  When I reflected back on what I saw and the pictures I took, I kept wishing I had a detailed shot or that I had looked more closely at a certain applique.  Especially with the Japanese quilts - they give incredible attention to the smallest elements.  It's something to keep in mind for next year!  I also have to figure out if the $20 entry fee is good for one day or the entire festival...

But anyway, after a morning of shopping, I'm ready to appreciate some finished products!

"Dawn" by Miho Matsuo

They didn't have a viewer's choice vote, but this was probably my favorite.  It won first place in the traditional category.  I love the geometric design, the little bitty squares, the use of ombre fabric, the layered and curly applique, and the beautiful hand quilting.  Basically, everything.

They advertise that the Tokyo show is the biggest in the world, but I'm not sure what they use to justify that statement.  Maybe it has the most people attending it?  There are about 200 quilts in the show, which is a fairly typical number.   

They have five categories for the quilt competition: traditional, original design, junior, framed quilt and wa.  I had to google "wa" while I was there, and it's a Japanese word that refers to a cultural concept that translates as harmony or peace (thank you, Wikipedia).  It's a nice category for quilts (or as my friend Paula said, better than "wah!" quilts), but I'd be interested to know exactly what the judges were looking at when they decided which was best.  Here's two I enjoyed in the wa category (neither won a ribbon):  (on the right is each one's maker info)

The quilt on the left won first place in the wa category...but I like the 3rd place winner better (on the right).

"Nishikiaki" by Reiko Nakahara

"Water and Light Fantasy" by Tokiko Yanagisawa

 
Framed quilts are exactly like their title - they are usually small quilts with a frame (usually wood) around them.  My favorite was a version of a Van Gogh (I think), but it didn't win anything.

And then I just liked this quilt from the original design category.

Same with these two....

 

And back to the traditional category....I obviously like the geometric shapes!

"Santa Maria del Fiore" by Mieko Sasano

detail of the above quilt - love the little mosaic pieces!

And here I am, with the Grand Prix winner and the quilt that won the Hand Making Award!

It's been a long, fun day viewing quilts!