Explore the “seen-nowhere-else-on-earth” fine felt rugs in Japan with artist Jorie Johnson. These kasen “floral pattern rugs” were imported during the Chinese Tang Dynasty (618 - 907 CE) and are part of the Japanese Imperial Household Treasures in the Shōsō-in Repository in Nara. Gain insight into the process that the JoiRae Textiles’ studio undertook to produce the replica portion that was installed at the Nara National Museum’s 72nd Annual Exhibition of the Shōsō-in Treasures in 2020.

Jorie Johnson wool and felt specialist, artist, and researcher from Kyoto, Japan has been on the research team for the ancient Japanese Imperial felt rugs that are colorful and intricately patterned and are housed in the Shosoin Repository in Nara, Japan.