The World Amigurumi Exhibition is now open to the public and we are taking all the steps possible to make it safe for guests to visit the exhibition. We have officially extended the exhibition until the end of March 2021! We hope to see everyone at the exhibition in our safe environment!

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the New York State government policy to shut down non essential businesses, we will be closing the World Amigurumi Exhibition and the RESOBOX gallery until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and wish that everyone stay safe and healthy!

After taking a quick break from the World Amigurumi Exhibition, RESOBOX is back with an all new refreshing theme and loads of new crochet artists joining in for their new exhibition. The amigurumi industry is constantly expanding, as is the World Amigurumi Exhibition! RESOBOX, as a Japanese cultural community center located in New York, is bringing back the celebration of amigurumi with a new theme by a diverse selection of artists.

As the World Amigurumi Exhibition is constantly growing, RESOBOX has decided to take a look at a worldwide and vital problem – endangered species that are constantly decreasing. Supporting endangered species is and spreading awareness is a topic that RESOBOX holds dearly to their hearts, and they have decided to support the cause by making it the theme for the exhibition this year!

In total, they’ve gathered pieces from over 100 artists from 42 countries who’ve found and recreated endangered species (animals, plants, etc.) located within their region as amigurumi. Using the Red List of Threatened Species published the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources), which lists species of animals/plants/insects/etc. that are most on the verge of extinction, crochet artists from all over the world have used their creativity to craft beautiful amigurumi pieces to help spread awareness. Through the exhibition RESOBOX, would like to advocate the importance to protect the many species on the list together with the many amigurumi artists around the world.

See the unique and enticing endangered species amigurumi at the World Amigurumi Exhibition vol. 5!

Find out how Mookie makes new friends with endangered species!

In The Press

• Experience A Tight-Knit World of Amigurumi at ResoBox in LIC by Joe DiStefano on About Travel
• World Amigurumi Exhibition 2: Crocheted Culture Celebration! Blog by Petits Pixels (French version)
• All Around the World by Inside Crochet Magazine

What are Amigurumi?

Amigurumi (lit. crocheted or knitted stuffed toy) is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small stuffed animals and anthropomorphic creatures. The word is derived from a combination of the Japanese words ami, meaning crocheted or knitted, and nuigurumi, meaning stuffed doll. Amigurumi are typically animals, but can include artistic renderings or inanimate objects endowed with anthropomorphic features, as is typical in Japanese culture. (Wikipedia)

Amigurumi stems from animism, a philosophy in the foundations of many Japanese traditions and customs. Animism is the belief that gods belong to everything: water, food, nature, buildings and houses, even technology. In Japanese, this is called Yaoyorozu no Kami. In fact, Japanese people often put eyes, arms, and legs onto non-human objects and give them imaginary lives in order to feel closer to these objects and show them respect as co-existing partners in this world.

As a Japanese cultural center located in Queens, NY, one of the most diverse cultural areas in the world, RESOBOX Gallery wants to explore how the ideas of animism and amigurumi are perceived in other places internationally.

Go on a video tour of 2016’s World Amigurumi Exhibition!

Contributors

Helen E. Moss (Mookie’s Mother)
MITSUE (Website | Facebook)

Where in the World Are Our Amigurumi Artists?

See the full artist’s list below!

World Amigurumi Exhibition Vol. 5 Artist List

The first installment of SHOKUNIN will feature the venerable Japanese textile company Tomoe Senko and opens on Monday, November 4, continuing until Tuesday, November 26. Tomoe Senko, based in Morioka, Japan, has been producing hand-dyed products for more than 110 years. The fifth-generation head of Tomoe Senko, Mr. Makoto Tojo, will be making a special appearance in New York for the event.

Tradition

Tomoe Senko will exhibit tenugui (traditional Japanese hand-dyed towels) and hikeshi hanten (traditional Japanese firefighter uniforms) that have been worn during the Morioka Hachiman Shrine Matsuri (Fall Festival), which has been celebrated for more than 300 years. Each group that participates in the festival has a different design for its hanten and tenugui––we will introduce you to the distinctive designs along with the history of each group.

The craftspeople of Tomoe Senko have passed the torch to a new generation––they are young and talented, and also highly skilled. They may be young, but the craftspeople know the traditional techniques and have been creating their own new methods as well. Chusen, a traditional Japanese hand-dyeing technique, is used for tenugui and kimono. Nassen, another traditional hand-dyeing method, is used for hanten, noren (fabric door panels), and flags. Tomoe Senko has specialists in these two different methods, and there are also steaming and washing craftspeople who make the products possible. All the craftspeople put their hearts into their work, using skills they have perfected over years. We hope you will see and feel their passion through this exhibition and take some of it home with you.

Evolution

The fifth-generation owner of Tomoe Senko, Mr. Makoto Tojo, has opened two new factories near the original factory. He has incorporated new technologies and developed new products. Because the artisans of Tomoe Senko have mastered traditional hand-dyeing techniques, they can use those as a base for creating new ideas, giving them unlimited possibilities. Tomoe Senko also has its own sewing team, so from dyeing and printing to finishing the final product, many skilled people put life into the cloth. Tomoe Senko will be bringing new products, including printed sashiko clothing and goods, for this special event.

We will have an opening reception on Thursday, November 7, from 7pm to 9pm. Our sponsor Sake Discoveries will provide Nanbu Bijin, producer of award-winning Japanese sake, as welcome drinks from Iwate throughout the evening. During the reception, we will connect the dye house with Resobox via the Internet, so you will have a chance to meet the shokunin who made these beautiful products and share a moment of time together. Attendees will also receive a special free gift, the Tomoe Senko exclusive “Three Most Famous Noodles” tenugui!

You can take part in a hand-dyeing workshops on Saturday, November 9, and Sunday, November 17.

• Natural Indigo Tie-Dyeing Tenugui Scarf Workshops
• Discharge-Dyed Tenugui Workshops

If you have any questions, please contact the organizer of SHOKUNIN:

Ruri Kippenbrock
Wuhao New York, Inc.
212.231.8126
info@wuhaonyc.com

モノをデザインする人、モノを作る人、モノを売る人、そしてモノを買う人。全てが繋がることで、モノは循環している。「職人」コレクションは、モノを作る人にスポットライトをあて、今注目されているニューヨークLIC (ロングアイランドシティー)のアートスペースRESOBOXより、日本のモノとそのモノを作る人達を紹介しながら、期間限定にて展示販売するシリーズものの企画である。

第一弾は、岩手県盛岡市より巴染工株式会社が出展。「伝承と革新」をテーマに、巴染工第五代社長東條誠氏をお迎えし、１１月４日より１１月２６日迄、１００年以上続いている手染め製品、手ぬぐいや半纏等を主に、展示販売をする。

「伝承」

３００年以上継承されている盛岡八幡宮秋祭りで、身に纏われている火消組半纏と手ぬぐい、令和の今も変わらずに、職人の手により、本染めにて一枚一枚大切に染められている。今回の「職人」コレクションでは、その半纏と手ぬぐいを特別に販売。１０組程ある火消各組には、それぞれの組の名前と印、そして歴史があり、展示販売中は、半纏や手ぬぐいと共に、火消組の歴史も紹介する。

巴染工職人は、世代交代が終わり、新しい世代の職人達の手により、伝統が継承されている。昔ながら技法にて、半纏は捺染、手ぬぐいは注染にて染められている。その他浸染にて、前掛け等も染めている。彼らの若い感覚と伝統技術によって、一枚一枚染め上がり作られた製品、そのモノの後ろにいる新世代の職人達の姿を、この展示販売会を通じて、感じていただけたら幸甚である。

「革新」

巴染工では、本染製品を生産している本工場の他に、新工場も設立され、新しいプリントの技術を取りいれながら、様々な製品の開発進めている。昔ながらの伝統的な手染め技術が基本にあるからこそ、プリントプログラムを作成するにも、通常のイメージでは浮かぶことがない様なアイデアが生かされ、新製品が生まれている。自社の裁断縫製チームも備えており、熟練職人と若い職人と共に、日々染めあがった布を、一枚一枚のモノへと進化させている。今回の展示販売会では、昔ながらの刺し子生地にプリント加工をしたアパレル製品等を販売予定。

「職人」コレクションを通じ、モノ作りの場所で、日々活躍している職人達の姿を見ていただきたい。

１１月７日（木）にオープニングセレモニーを開催予定。当日会場では、Sake Discoveries寄贈岩手県の名酒「南部美人」を楽しんでいただきながら、インターネットにて、巴染工本工場とニューヨークを繋ぎ、昔ながらの工場の風景を実際に見ていただき、職人達とニューヨーカーとが、時を共有できる時間を設ける予定。その他、軽食も準備予定。当日会場に来ていただいた方には、巴染工より、オリジナル手ぬぐい「盛岡三大麺」柄手ぬぐいのプレゼント。

実際に手染めを体験していただくワークショップも開催予定。１１月９日（土）と１１月１７日（日）の二日間。

問い合わせ先：

「職人」コレクション企画運営
WUHAO NEW YORK INC
225 W 36TH STREET, ROOM 604
NEW YORK, NY 10018(電話) 212 231 8126

キッペンブロック琉璃

Since ancient times, the Japanese has had a unique mindset that God is present in everything around us.

From nature and phenomena to even the kitchen at home.

Many of ENGIMONO (lucky charms) that remain throughout Japan are connected with the people’s faith and express the people’s wish for good health and huge harvest.

ENGIMONO (lucky charms) are created based on the customs and beliefs from various parts of Japan.

It reflects the local characteristics from each part of Japan.

It is obvious that every piece is delicate and are created using a unique molding sensation. Each piece is handmade one by one using special materials from the local regions.

Moreover, most of them have their own local beauty.

**All artworks will be available for purchase!

Opening Reception with Special Guests Shintaro Segawa, Yachiko Daruma and LOBO51

Sunday, September 22 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Please join us for the opening party for ENGIMONO!

Guests will have the chance meet the owner of the exhibition ENGIMONO, Shintaro Segawa from “YAMABIKOYA.” YAMABIKOYA handles traditional Japanese toys, mainly from the Kyushu area but also from other parts of Japan. Daruma artist Yachiko Darum will pay a visit to the exhibition as well! Lastly, we will have a live painting event performed by our special guest LOBO51 who is the artist of the “YAMABIKOYA” sign. We look forward to seeing you all!

LOBO51, originally from Kumamoto, started their live-paint activities unit “GOA” in 2001. Since 2001, they have presented mural paintings, CD jacket productions, logos, signage productions, order canvases, welcome boards and more. Their free-style live-painter title allows them to paint freely in various spaces including Japan and overseas.

The concept is to embody an image consisting of sound and space.

Space and air, light and shadow, color and sound.

Repeated line development and color experiment,

Eventually all the pieces will be connected and become Oneness on Canvas.

See them at the opening reception for “ENGIMONO” this Sunday, September 22 from 7 to 9pm!

1st Place Winner
Edward Cody Huddleston from Georgia, USA

lone streetlight
a firefly
flickers back

2nd Place Winner
Eduard Tara from Iasi, Romania

gardening
her shadow full of
forget-me-nots

3rd Place Winner
Martha Magenta from Bristol, England

night watch . . .
I follow her gaze
to the stars

As we did not receive enough haikus to announce a winner for the Youth division, we have decided to select and congratulate one child for their outstanding haiku as an honorable mention!

Honorable Mentions – Adult Division

Debbie Scheving from Washington, USA

wisp of a cloud –
on the infant’s cheek
a fallen eyelash

Jennifer Carr Munoz from Sante Fe, New Mexico

still waters –
fish nibble bits
of sun

Helen Barysheva from Moscow, Russia

children’s playground
fallen leaves
take off again

Honorable Mentions – Youth Division

Dinesh Srikar Mekala from Andhra Pradesh, India

hide and seek
one more banyan leaf
lands on my head

Thank you all for participating in the RESOBOX International Haiku Contest! We want to warmly congratulate the winners! Their haikus will be on display at our RESOBOX LIC location from August 18 to September 8, 2019. Please feel free to join us for the Artist’s Talk event with judge Natalia L. Rudychev this Sunday, September 1st at 7:00pm!

Artist’s Talk Event

***SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!***

RESOBOX is holding its very first Haiku contest in partnership with Haiku artist Natalia L. Rudychev! Please submit your own Haikus for a chance to be a part of the upcoming Haiku exhibition, “Poetry of Nature.”

Theme: Haiku are to be written in the spirit of the following quote by Lafcadio Hearn (from an essay “Bits of Poetry” that appeared in Hearn’s book In Ghostly Japan, 1899)

The common art principle of the class of poems under present consideration is identical with the common principle of Japanese pictorial illustration. By the use of a few chosen words the composer of a short poem endeavors to do exactly what a painter endeavors to do with a few strokes of the brush — to evoke an image or a mood — to revive a sensation or emotion. And the accomplishment of this purpose — by poet or by picture maker — depends altogether upon capacity to suggest, and only suggest. […] a poet would be condemned for attempting any completeness of utterance in a very short poem: his object should be only to stir the imagination without satisfying it.

Send us your best creations. Entries must be in English. Each entry must be the original, unpublished work by the author, and should not be under consideration or publication elsewhere. Appearance of a haiku in any social media renders it ineligible.

Divisions:

• Youth Division (ages 5-15)
• Adult Division (ages 16+)

Topic: Free
Form: 3 haiku per entrant
Awards: 1st, 2nd, 3rd place and three Honorable Mentions
Prizes: Certificate of Recognition, Books on Haiku, Public Display at RESOBOX LIC during the event.
Judging: Blind
Judge: Natalia L. Rudychev (http://www.thepoetryofbreath.com/1.html)

*Email submissions only*
Please send your emails to wendy@resobox.com with the following information:
Subject line: RESOBOX International Haiku Contest + Age of the Author
Include: Full name, postal address, email, phone number

Three haiku per entrant, there are no rules to syllable count, between one and four lines written in the spirit of the theme quote above.

Submission period: June 19 – July 24, 2019

There are so many techniques and culture that has been lost or long forgotten. I was born in Kyoto, surrounded by full of heritage and traditions. I never thought that these things around me was so valuable, so fragile, and so easily gone forever. As I grew up here in the US in Virginia, its was the turning point of my life. One day I was asked, “Why doesn’t your country value your culture more?” It was shocking. I never thought of such nor never imagined how things were so rapidly changing in Japan.

As I returned to Japan, I started working as a character designer for the game industry. It was the state of art of the period, and was the most promoted job. But as I worked more, I felt that I was missing something in my life. I was just messing with data and things were all digital within the monitor. I wondered what I wanted to become. Then I remembered the question that I was asked while in the states.

I looked for a field of traditional work that was about to cease its history. That is how I became one of the only three Japanese automata builder. I also wanted to be unique, so I decided to be an artisan specializing in a precision miniatures especially of a Japanese folk toys. I am self taught as there was no where I could learn what I wanted to know. From there creating something “different” became my life. My hands create various things that fit on the palm of the hand. All the pieces on the palm shine as the stars in the galaxy, and talks to whoever is seeing it.

I am an Artist, and I am an Artisan at the same time. I will keep creating something different, with the techniques that have been passed on for generations, spiced with my sense and flavor.

Join artist Hiromu Moulinette (Morine)’s workshops on how to make his miniatures and pieces! Find out more in the links below:

• June 22-23, 2019 (2:00pm) | Paint your own Daruma and Fortune Cat
• June 22-23, 2019 (4:15pm) | Asobi no Tsugi ~ Fixing Pottery and Ceramics using Traditional Japanese Methods

I have been advocating my slogan “From unnecessary to important” through my art activities of carton.

Everyone knows carton is tough and handy, but on the other hand, you might have seen them as scrap and gotten an image of dirty garbage. What kind of story, however, does the carton have inside? After stuffs are put inside far beyond the sea, what story takes them here, and dumps them here? Collecting those storytelling carton, and wishing to reuse them as wanted.

I want you to discover the value depends on each individuals.

You might find anything valuable when you happened upon some trash.

If you see it as trash or treasure, it is totally up to you.

I want everyone to have new perspective.

Open Studio Date:
March 16th: 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm
March 18th: 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm / 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Card Wallet Workshop: March 16th and March 17th (Find out more: Create Recycled Card Wallets with Carton!)

Specially, I draw many circles influenced by Enso (Circle in Zen). The shape symbolizes life, sun, light, spirit, peace, infinity, interminable, perfection, and continuance for me.

All of my works somehow pertain to human life, society and nature. For example, paintings of the main character, the frog, is a symbol of fertility, transformation, mystery, and renewal. It is standing, sitting, thinking, eating, dancing, disguising, sleeping, etc. The frog tricks people. It is to convey such symbolism, but also to suggest a possible sinister side to his behavior.

Also my interest in making installations and performance are due to my desire to engage viewers in all of their senses: sight, hearing, smell, touch and sometimes even taste. I also enjoy making installations because there are many possibilities to incorporate all kinds of media. For example 1000+ paper cranes Angel Wings were inspired by Japanese legend, that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes, his/her wish come true. The crane is one of the mystical creatures and symbol of peace. The eggshells in Precarious also pertain to human life, in that they are fragile but also full of mystery, potential and everyday magic, provided they are taken care of.

Flakes of Dream from Sophia Chizuco and Tina Wang.

Closing Reception

Please join us for the closing reception this Sunday, March 3rd from 5:00PM – 6:30 PM. A performance by Tina Wang will be held at 6:00PM.

For most people, folding origami usually conjures up memories of making flapping birds, flowers or “fortune teller” action models. Even modern, more sophisticated origami practices will involve mimesis, or representational paper folding, such as flora, fauna and fantastical creatures. The results can be astonishingly realistic but they are still using only single- or dual-colored squares of paper, although printed and patterned paper is also folded to very good effect.

In this exhibition, I took further advantage of the paper itself as a representational medium beyond just folding it. In most instances each sheet of paper was pre-painted before folding and sometimes it was painted afterwards, as well as being painted both before and after the folding. In addition, the pieces for this installation are contextualized with other materials to add dissonance and social commentary but mostly to encourage you to be mindful of each piece individually, pushing your perceptions and broadening the boundaries of this timeless craft.

Artist Appreciation

All of the butterfly folds were designed by Michael LaFosse and Richard Alexander and their Origamido Studio. Kyohei Katsuta for Makoto Yamaguchi and Origami House in Japan created the Yellowtail fish model. Talo would like to sincerely thank them all for their generous support and permission to recreate their elegant designs for this exhibition.

The Amphibian exhibition at RESOBOX will include stereoscope photographic installations, one single channel video, and site specific fake food installations that will also reflect the artist’s confusion of identity.

Amphibian Artist Statement by Nung-Hsin Hu

In this exhibition, we will show you one of the best ways to drink sake properly on sweltering hot days. One of the most beguiling and engaging aspects of sake is its ability to be enjoyed over a wide range of temperatures. One of our purposes in this exhibition is to have you try each sake at its recommended temperature ranges. Different temperatures suit different sake and we encourage you to taste each of them at a cool temperature at this exhibition. We will exhibit six kinds of sake each of which have strong features and flavors and are best drunk cold.

Sake that is served cold will generally taste drier, fruitier and with a lighter flavor. These sake will be available for tasting at the very reasonable price of $3-4 for mini glasses or O-choko, which are Japanese traditional sake cups.

We will be serving the sake in the three ways below:

• Reishu (sake served chilled)
  
• On the Rocks
• Sherbet

This will be a great means for enhancing your knowledge of sake and learning which one is your favorite. We encourage you to experiment with all the different sake!

In addition, during this exhibition, we will hold a sake event in which attendees can explore a new pairing of three different sake with authentic Spanish Ham products. Attendees will also listen to a small sake lecture from Kikusui Shuzo. Please click here for more info! We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

Our Sake List

Please click company names (in red) to see their websites.

	Hiro Sake Hiro Blue Sake Junmai Ginjo HIRO Sake is a Multi-Award Wining Handcrafted Premium Japanese Sake brewed and bottled in the Niigata Prefecture, the premier Sake producing region in Japan. HIRO BLUE  has been specially handcrafted by their own Toji (master brewer) to be enjoyed either chilled or on the rocks and can also be used in your favorite cocktail in place of Vodka, Gin or White Rum.
	Kikusui Funaguchi Kikusui Nama Genshu Honjozo Japan’s first Nama-Sake, created over 40 years ago, sparking the Nama-Sake boom. Being un-pasteurized and undiluted allows you to enjoy the fruity aroma and fresh full bodied flavor of this Sake, and being 19% alcohol it’s a high-impact sensory experience. Because of the delicate nature of un-pasteurized Sake this product is sold in a can to shield it from the light.
	Kitaya Souden Tokubetsu Junmai Produced using exceptional yamada-nishiki sake rice locally cultivated in Fukuoka and applying the yamahai method, low temperature fermentation over the course of 2 months. This unique combination results in a fruit-forward and elevated acidity profile that complements meat-centric and richly flavored cuisine.
	Koshi No Iso Muroka Genshu Junmai Ginjo Sake of the muroka genshu variety (non-charcoal filtered, cask-strength) is typically only available to brewery staff. This muroka genshu made from Koshi No Shizuku, a crossbreed of Hyogo Kita Nishiki and Miyama Nishiki sake rice is rich and full-bodied. Because it is non-charcoal filtered, it is naturally lightly hued. Pairs well with hearty cuisine.
	Asahi Shuzo Dassai 50 Junmai Dai Ginjo “Rather than sake that will get someone drunk, or sake that will sell the most, Asahishuzo’s aim is to create sake for tasting – to brew sake that is truly delicious and enjoyable for all. Their brand Dassai is the personification of this philosophy. We must note, however, that they have no intention of brewing elusive phantom sake that doesn’t sell. This brewery makes some of the most popular and universally relatable sake in the world today.
	Miyake Honten Sempuku Shinriki Muroka Genshu Sempuku-no-kura, “Brewery of a Thousand Fortunes,” founded in 1856 was destroyed during the bombing campaigns of WWII; at the close of the war, only two structural walls remained standing of the dozen or structures that comprised the brewery and its adjoining residence.  By late 1946, the brewery was rebuilt and resumed production.  Miyake Honten’s brewing ethos is to cultivate strong koji (aspergillus oryzae) and achieve a umami-filled yeast fermentation; while ever-seeking the ultimate balance between umami, acidity, and food-friendliness.

Adjacent to sake exhibition, we are exhibiting several sake wares which make sake taste differently. We are exhibiting pottery, stainless and glass wares. These are made by Japanese artisans that are available here in NY! Please feel free to look at these pieces as well!

Our Sake Wares

	FD STYLE SANSAKU The SANSAKU is a cup created specifically for the enjoyment of sake. It comes in three different styles, designed to accentuate and amplify the aroma, texture, flavor, and aftertaste of sake. Because, sake can be enjoyed at a wide range of temperatures, we have carefully spun single sheets of stainless steel using our specially designed mold and spatula, creating a vessel that can control how heat is transmitted to the mouth. Everyone has their own sense of taste, and preferences can change according to mood, physical condition and the social environment. The SANSAKU lets us enjoy our sake at different temperatures and occasion-perhaps you will be pleasantly surprised by a new flavor experience in your usual sake.
	Yasumitsu Morito Ceramic Sculptor Yasumitsu Morito is a NYC based Japanese ceramic sculptor who works primarily in sculpture that extends from intimate gallery space to interactive public space. He has exhibited in various venues in New York, including a Public Sculpture in Carl Schurz Park in NY, solo show at the Bill Hodges Gallery, RESOBOX Gallery, and the Consulate General of Japan in New York. Morito’s work has been featured in various publications including the Wall Street Journal, NY1, the Smithsonian and the Consulate General of Japan. He is an elected member of National Sculpture Society and currently teaches Ceramic Sculpture at the Art Students League of NY.
	KIMOTO GLASS TOKYO Edo Kirico Kimoto Glassware started in Asakusa 80 years ago, since then, they have kept to their principle of “Keeping traditional techniques and creating the future of glassware.” Since starting, they have made millions of glasses with offers and requests. They are continuing as the major glassware company in Tokyo in developing and creating new aspects of glass in their downtown factories, while working with craftsmen, designers and creators. Edo Kiriko is a glass craft that has been handed down in Tokyo. It was fostered in the urban culture among the townspeople, and during the Meiji era (mid-19th century), the craft introduced not only Western equipment and instruments, but also their technique while preserving traditional techniques and has been passed down to the present time.

My abstraction reflects my inner world.

Amigurumi are normally used only as cute dolls for display. This year, we’ve decided to explore wider possibilities of amigurumi with the World Amigurumi Exhibition, with unique shapes and innovative ideas. As a result, we are stepping out of the ordinary and asking artists to create amigurumi products that can be used in daily life. Every day objects such as hair brushes, wallets, scarves, tissue box covers were submitted to our exhibition this year! In total, we’ve gathered pieces from 120 artists and 40 countries who have thought of their own creations to be useful in daily life.

See how diverse and different amigurumi can be at the World Amigurumi Exhibition vol. 4!

Find out how Mookie rediscovers himself in different shapes!

In The Press

• Experience A Tight-Knit World of Amigurumi at ResoBox in LIC by Joe DiStefano on About Travel
• World Amigurumi Exhibition 2: Crocheted Culture Celebration! Blog by Petits Pixels (French version)
• All Around the World by Inside Crochet Magazine

What are Amigurumi?

Amigurumi (lit. crocheted or knitted stuffed toy) is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small stuffed animals and anthropomorphic creatures. The word is derived from a combination of the Japanese words ami, meaning crocheted or knitted, and nuigurumi, meaning stuffed doll. Amigurumi are typically animals, but can include artistic renderings or inanimate objects endowed with anthropomorphic features, as is typical in Japanese culture. (Wikipedia)

Amigurumi stems from animism, a philosophy in the foundations of many Japanese traditions and customs. Animism is the belief that gods belong to everything: water, food, nature, buildings and houses, even technology. In Japanese, this is called Yaoyorozu no Kami. In fact, Japanese people often put eyes, arms, and legs onto non-human objects and give them imaginary lives in order to feel closer to these objects and show them respect as co-existing partners in this world.

As a Japanese cultural center located in Queens, NY, one of the most diverse cultural areas in the world, RESOBOX Gallery wants to explore how the ideas of animism and amigurumi are perceived in other places internationally.

Go on a video tour of last year’s World Amigurumi Exhibition!

Contributors

Helen E. Moss (Mookie’s Mother)
AmigurumiPatterns.net (Website | Facebook)
Lumièna (Website | Facebook)
Lemo (Website | Facebook)

Where in the World Are Our Amigurumi Artists?

Country	Artists
	Torito- Hecho a mano
	Lilliputi Crochet & Design
	outoftheframe
	Seipelo
	Fada do Cerrado | f e r n a n d a H.
	PolushkaBunny
	Ami Ami Love | Deanna Tam | MadebyJody666 | Batty Kitsch Plush | Móhu | Choco Apple Shop | KnitHacker (Danielle Holke)
	Tejidos Clemen
	AmigurumiBB
	Maria Mayor
	Woolly Cat
	UnePelotedeLaine
	Natürlich Artless | Bennelle
	Yum Yarn | Karin Godinez
	KATZ
	kenjiku | SorbetBox
	OlkaMade
	Shivani toys
	Giovanna Cargnelli | Mary’s Amiland | Yellow Yarn | Carmela Gulino – Pyros & Patch | Il meraviglioso mondo di Nezumi | Blitz
	Bonami | Lumièna | lemo | Kiyoka@Taremimi | Popopo-hompo | haru*maki | Hiro-DesignWorks | happysmile | hiroyuki murata | amidoki | Hirunekotei | KIYURA STUDIO | utata*
	Julia
	CrochKnitt
	Pavilonytė
	LUNATICOS | mOn cUKu | Joyita
	WoodWoolDesign | Crochet Happy Plushie | Tina L.
	Sweet Miru
	JUMPHANDMADE
	crochetmaniaq
	MevvSan
	Merique Crochet
	Anastasiya Matyakh | CrochetGiftsShop
	Klupche Art | Poppy Toys
	Snacksies Handicraft Corner | Tiny Rabbit Hole
	Janemi | Horgolzsó
	HOOKA | CuteAndSweetStuff
	BelioCrochet | Con fieltros y lanas | Bajo una seta | Liada entre Hilos | OhPeach | El Gallo Bermejo | Mencantoo
	earlgreywithcream
	Yagrashka
	EarnCrochet | Atelier De Nana | Meemanan | Zaalim Dolly
	oyundostum_designs | mutlugurumiler
	Olga Povzun MollisToys | Iren Omelie Toys
	Katia Mochi
	My Freaky Zoo | Blossom Bazaar | Amigurumi barmy
	Mats Applesauce Shop | Maylee and Avery | TigaCubCrochet | Crochet Creations by Sara | Pocket Sushi | TeaLoveCrochet | Maribel | jngarts | Fairyland Amigurumi | Blue Bunny Company | Terry Finer | Callaghan Crochet | Thirty Seven Stars | Kadeations | Nightside INK | Crafty Kitty Crochet | monsterumi | Diceberry Designs | Bluephone Studios | Lilac’s Lovables | Mystic Crochet | Ria Art World | Kittygurumi
	Van Ha Cao | Vinamigurumi