!["Floating Bridge of Dreams" 2025 Supervised by Fukumi Shimura Produced by Toki Kobo Silk thread / safflower, madder, purple root, indigo, Kariyasu [Exhibition throughout the year]](https://www.premium-j.jp/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/features_20260310shimu_1_top-3.jpeg)
!["Floating Bridge of Dreams" 2025 Supervised by Fukumi Shimura Produced by Toki Kobo Silk thread / safflower, madder, purple root, indigo, Kariyasu [Exhibition throughout the year]](https://www.premium-j.jp/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/features_20260310shimu_1_sp.jpeg)
A special exhibition tracing the 70-year artistic career of Living National Treasure dyeing and weaving artist Shimura Fukumi, titled "Shimura Fukumi: 5st Birthday - The Floating Bridge of Dreams," is currently being held at the Hosomi Museum of Art in Kyoto until Sunday, May 31, 2026.
!["Lake of the Moon" 1985 Silk thread / Indigo, Onion [Early Exhibition]](https://www.premium-j.jp/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/features_20260310shimu_06.jpeg)
"Lake of the Moon" 1985 Silk thread/indigo, onion [First half exhibition]
Fukumi Shimura is a holder of the Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) for Tsumugi weaving, and is also widely known as an essayist. This exhibition focuses on Shimura's characteristic themes in recent years. Through the interweaving of her works and words, we trace her endless contemplation of color, life, and nature.
!["Oborozukiyo" (Misty Moonlit Night) 2025, supervised and produced by Fukumi Shimura, Miyako Kobo, silk thread and gold thread / purple gromwell, indigo, Japanese yew, Clerodendrum trichotomum [On display throughout the period]](https://www.premium-j.jp/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/features_20260310shimu_01.jpeg)
《Oborozukiyo" 2025Year: Supervised and produced by Fukumi Shimura, Miyako Kobo. Materials: Silk thread, gold thread / Purple root, indigo, Japanese yew, Clerodendrum. [On display throughout the period]
!["Young Purple" 2007 Silk thread / purple root, madder [First half exhibition]](https://www.premium-j.jp/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/features_20260310shimu_05.jpeg)
《Young Murasaki》 2007Year Silk thread / purple gromwell, madder [Early exhibition]
One of the highlights is the colors and kimonos inspired by The Tale of Genji, a series she has been working on since her mid-70s. The titles of the works are taken from each chapter, and the scents, sounds, and indescribable emotions felt from the story are expressed through beautiful colors and weaving.
![Kosode "Francesco" 2020 Supervised by Fukumi Shimura Produced by Miyakoki Kobo Silk thread / Kusuki wood, indigo [First half exhibition]](https://www.premium-j.jp/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/features_20260310shimu_02.jpeg)
Small sleevesFrancesco" 2020Year: Supervised and produced by Fukumi Shimura, Miyako Koubou, Silk thread / Clerodendrum, Indigo [First half of exhibition]
Additionally, all six costumes from the new Noh play "Okimiya," based on an original work by Ishimure Michiko, which depicts death and rebirth and is set in Amakusa after the Shimabara Rebellion, will be on display. The main character Ayane's dance robe, "Beni Ogi," dyed with safflower in pursuit of the scarlet color, and Amakusa Shiro's kosode, "Francesco," will be on display for the first time in the Kansai region.
!["May's Unaden" Poem: Kotaro Takamura Calligraphy and Textile: Fukumi Shimura [Late Exhibition]](https://www.premium-j.jp/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/features_20260310shimu_03.jpeg)
"The May Eel Train" Poem by TakamuraKotaro's calligraphy and textile artwork: Fukumi Shimura [Late exhibition]
!["Wind and Dew" 2000 Silk thread / Safflower, indigo, Japanese knotweed, gromwell [Late exhibition]](https://www.premium-j.jp/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/features_20260310shimu_04.jpeg)
《Wind dew》 2000Year Silk thread / Safflower, indigo, Japanese knotweed, gromwell [Late exhibition]
Also noteworthy are the collages that Shimura created in his 80s. They are made from leftover kimono fabric and small scraps that he had treasured for many years. Moved by a poem by Kotaro Takamura, he took up his brush and created "Unaden in May," decorated with small pieces of fabric, along with kimono models and a book of fabric scraps, showcasing a rich world of creativity.
!["Prototype: Purple checkered pattern with white stripes" 2006, Silk thread [Early exhibition]](https://www.premium-j.jp/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/features_20260310shimu_07.jpeg)
"Prototype: Purple checkered pattern with white stripes" 2006, Silk thread [Early exhibition]
At the age of 101, Shimura Fukumi still continues to embrace beautiful things and maintain a deep gaze towards nature and color. This exhibition will also feature two works that were conceived and produced for the occasion, making it a rare opportunity to see them for the first time.
◆Special Exhibition "Fukumi Shimura 101 Years Old - A Floating Bridge of Dreams -"
[Dates] Now running until May 31st (Sun)
[First half] Ongoing until April 12th (Sun) / [Second half] April 14th (Tue) - May 31st (Sun)
[Venue] Hosomi Museum of Art (6-3 Okazaki Saishojicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City)
[Opening hours] 10:00-17:00
[Closed days] Mondays (except May 4th), Thursday, May 7th
[Admission Fee] General: 2,000 yen, Students: 1,500 yen
