Kay Sekimachi’s journey with woven boxes began in the late 1970s when she created miniature textile pieces for a British exhibition. Her creative process involves first crafting paper prototypes to test the structural integrity and folding mechanics of each design. The exhibition highlights her Takarabako series – boxes woven from natural linen and enhanced with black thread and paint.

Her work reflects her Japanese American heritage, particularly in its connection to origami, which she learned organically through her cultural background. The boxes’ precise folds and sturdy construction suggest both origami techniques and Japanese architectural principles, which emphasize creating serene, compact spaces within busy urban settings. This focus on intimate spaces might reflect Sekimachi’s personal desire for solitude and sanctuary.

Her innovative approach combines traditional twill weave (known for its excellent draping qualities) with tabby weave, creating a unique structural solution for the box form. She enhanced the surface texture by applying black acrylic paint to the warp threads. The name Takarabakocarries multiple meaningful associations – “strong,” “precious,” and “treasure” – which perfectly capture the essence of her work.

Notably, her Takarabako VI piece inspired a collaboration with luxury brand Loewe, resulting in the Small Treasure Bako bucket bag. This limited–edition piece, produced in Spain, translates her original linen design into a cotton jacquard with calfskin accents, demonstrating how her artistic vision extends into contemporary fashion.

Return to 9 x 9: Contemporary Quilts & Containers HERE.