Kinusaiga workshop: Japanese fabric art finds a new audience in Visakhapatnam

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Participants at the workshop of Japanese art form of Kinusaiga at Kshwe Boutique in Sagar Nagar in Visakhapatnam. | Photo Credit: KR Deepak

A handful of fabric scraps, a sheet of foam and a little patience came together to recreate a sunrise at Kshwe Boutique in Sagar Nagar. A small group of art enthusiasts recently explored Kinusaiga, a Japanese textile artform that turns tiny pieces of fabric into pictures without stitching.

The technique involves tucking fabric into grooves on a foam base, creating a textured, mosaic-like artwork. The craft has been finding a new audience in India, helped by its simple, no-sew process, its meditative quality and the growing interest in handmade and sustainable art.

Artist Anita Rao led the workshop, guiding participants as they pieced together a sunrise scene using colourful fabric scraps. Each piece was carefully tucked into the foam sheet until the image emerged and the finished artwork was framed in maroon cloth.

Participants at the workshop of Japanese art form of Kinusaiga at Kshwe Boutique in Sagar Nagar in Visakhapatnam. | Photo Credit: KR Deepak

“Kinusaiga is almost like painting with fabric. You slow down, look at colour and texture and build the picture with the pieces,” says Anita.

For Shwetha Kumarappa, the owner of Kshwe, the workshop is part of a larger idea — creating a space where people can connect with art, textiles and handmade traditions.

“I wanted Kshwe to be more than a boutique, a quiet space where people can discover art, textiles and the joy of making something with their hands,” says Shwetha.

Set amid greenery within a gated community, Kshwe also houses its own tailoring unit, where Shwetha designs her collections. Ikkats, Mangalgiri fabrics and handloom cottons take shape as easy, contemporary dresses.

For further updates on workshops, follow Instagram handle @kshweofficial.

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