In today's concern over sustainability, sashiko stitching ticks many boxes.

Centuries ago, people in rural Japan used little stab stitches, sashiko, to strengthen, patch and mend - extending the life and use of textiles and clothing.

Most importantly sashiko is visible mending: the repair is celebrated.

It is a very simple and elegant art, its roots going deep into Japanese history and culture.

Breakage and repair are treated as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise.

An exhibition at Altenburg Co in Braidwood by Mary Taguchi's Mingei Studio presents a marvelous selection of old and new garments and cloths celebrating the power and beauty of the sashiko stitch.

Mary Taguchi's is always seeking the historical skills and knowledge of Japanese craftspeople.

Mary Taguchi has very recently been in the mountainous countryside of Japan.

In this region sashiko stitching is part of farming people's lives: on local trains and buses, through lush green forests, gushing rivers, rice paddies and thatched houses.

This is where the sashiko stitch mending will be going on.

"I needed to work with the genuine craftspeople, with the right tools, the right instruction and hear their wisdom," she said.

"Perfection is not sought, rather it is what happens and comes naturally.

"Textiles have four lives: an initially fine garment can become everyday dress, then a bed cover and lastly dust rags, zokin."

The exhibition will be opened on Friday 13 September at 6pm by art historian Dr Anne Sanders and will continue untill Sunday 6 October 2019.

Altenburg & Co is open from Thursday to Sunday 10am to 4pm and is located at 104 Wallace St, Braidwood.

Mingei Studio has an extensive website: www.mingei.com.au.

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