Poster: "Fish of the Ryukyus" by Benikichi Bingata

This poster was designed by Nobuko Yoshida at her Benikichi studio.

Completed over a period of two years, the fish featured retain the essence of the dye work that forms the mainstay of Yoshida's work.

A committed diver, the designs are based on sketches, following time spent in the Okinawa ocean.

Each fish has its Japanese name, Japanese name in kanji, Okinawan and English names, together with their size printed by them.

Rendered on thick, quality paper, the posters are rolled and presented in individual boxes.

They are B2 size (72.8cm by 51.5cm)

About Benikichi Bingata

Benikichi is the dye studio of Nobuko Yoshida, based on the island of Sesoko, adjacent to the Okinawan mainland.

She works in the Bingata style that is at the centre of Okinawa aesthetics.  Originally items for the court of the Ryukyu kings, the style was not considered accessible to ordinary subjects.  This meant it wilted with the incorporation of the Ryukyu kingdom into Japan, and the loss of the monarchy.

The quality of the work however, remained - and was appreciated particularly within the Japanese arts and craft movement that emerged in the early 20th century.  This led to the first of several revivals, and a new bingata in patterns and dye, that developed with the flowering of contemporary Okinawan identity.  

Nobuko Yoshida applies the traditional techniques and points of style, to work deeply inspired by the natural environment that surrounds and encroaches upon her island base.  Sleepy eyed lagoon fish encountered on dives, avifauna that wake her up each morning at 5am with their song.  Each hold a place within Benikichi’s work on fabric and paper, that expresses the natural identity of the islands as reflected in its visual culture.