Handmade Quilts from Japan

Quilts that are entirely handmade are so rare these days. As you can see, Japanese quilters excel at hand applique, piecing, and quilting!  We marvel at the technical excellence, precision, and patience it must have taken to create these works of art.

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Peacock by Naomi Ootomo (Toda-shi, Saitama, Japan)

Notice the gorgeous colors, the appliqued peacock feathers in the upper and lower borders of this quilt, and the pieced blocks resembling tail feathers! Hand piecing, applique, and quilting, and trapunto were used to create this original design.  

Naomi Ootomo says, "I can't forget the beauty of a peacock feather I saw at my grandfather's house as a child.  I loved the color of the peacock's feathers. This quilt was created with the image of a peacock spreading its wings.  The quilting designs were also created with the image of its feathers.  While I was making this quilt, beautiful colored fabrics made me happy." 

In the Quiet Forest by Setsuko Sofue and 6 friends (Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan)

 Such a calming effect is achieved by the soft colors and the echo quilting of In the Quiet Forest. This beautiful piece is entirely hand appliqued and hand quilted over an ombre background.

The design, by Kathy Nakajima, was carried out by Setsuko Sofue with 6 friends.  The quilt was inspired by a plumeria tree growing wild in the forest, with the petals quietly drifting away. 

The Shimmering Blue Rose by Yachiyo Katsuno (Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan)

This original design quilt also was made entirely by hand (!) including the piecing, applique, and quilting.  Yachiyo says, "It has been over 20 years since I created the piece titled Sunshine Rose Garden. I spent about three years re-creating a quilt inspired by that original image, and now it is finally complete."  Imagine hand piecing all those spiky points!

 The shades of blue in the patchwork and the colors of the appliqued roses harmonize beautifully, just as she had envisioned.  "I would be so happy if many people could see and enjoy this work."  YES, Yachiyo: We and thousands of others admired your stunning work of art.

Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2025 Houston International Quilt Festival.