Looking for abandoned or damaged Japanese textiles

Looking for abandoned or damaged Japanese textiles, especially textiles damaged by the Tohoku tsunami
I have a humble request to steal a little bit of your time, to read this note...
I am a Finnish fashion design student, working on my final thesis and final collection. My thesis will be focusing around the concept of Japanese aesthethics, Wabi-Sabi, and the beauty in austerity and decay. I will deal with thoughts whether something new, beautiful and possibly ecological could be born out of austerity, decay and tragedy. I am also exploring ways how my project could possibly help the Tohoku Tsunami victims both symbolically and in practice.
I am now sourcing materials for my collection – abandoned and damaged (traditional) Japanese textiles and clothes, and am now asking your help for this. If you have got any damaged Japanese textiles or clothes that you would be willing to donate or sell to me, or if you would perhaps know some people or manufacturers/factories etc. with damaged stock? Especially if the materials are located around Tohoku area and possibly damaged due to the tsunami.
The materials can be torn, ripped, soiled, have water damage/sun damage, etc. Most of all I'm interested in silks, cotton, hemp, and textiles/clothes manufactured in traditional Japanese methods or style (for example Aizu Momen, Nanbu Saki Ori, Shibori fabrics, Tsumugi etc.)
My aim is 100% to show sympathy to the victims of the absolutely tragic events, and all of this comes from a personal deep urge to find a way to help. I deeply hope I am not offending anyone, but instead my wish is to help and bring hope, and show my admiration of the 'Japanese Spirit'. If you are interested in my project/thesis, please e-mail me and I can tell you more.
I will be travelling to Japan for 3 weeks in November 2011 to source and collect materials, and would love to meet people with materials and stories behind them. Most likely I will spend some time in Tokyo and around Tohoku-area, possibly also in Gifu/Nagoya area.
I would also love to hear if anyone has got any contacts or tips of people who have skills in traditional Japanese basket/wood (bamboo) weaving.
Any queries or information can be e-mailed to Yugen2012@yahoo.co.uk
Thanking you deeply,
Paivi

Let me first say that I think this is a great idea for a project and Its hardly disrespectful, partly given the care you clearly have for the victims. While I don't have any direct help to give, might I suggest (if you haven't already) directly going to the Japanese government (specifically a embassy) to ask for their assistance? Present them with your aims (like you have here) and they might be willing to assist you in some way.

Good luck in your endevours here and PLEASE keep us updated. I'd love to see what you come up with.

Hey Noyhauser,

and first of all thank you so much for positive feedback and support!
I know the topic is rather sensitive, so I try my best not to offend anyone.
Thank you also for the tip - I propably will approach them. I have a few other places also listed.

As for the materials, I also wanted to point out, that don't hesitate to contact me if you have for example some more rural clothes/textiles, since those are what interest me in great deal. My thesis is not about festive Kimono etc., but of the skills in Japanese craft and fabric making and in the clothes what 'common people' would traditionally wear in every day life.
The condition, as mentioned, can be anything as well.

noyhauser said:

Let me first say that I think this is a great idea for a project and Its hardly disrespectful, partly given the care you clearly have for the victims. While I don't have any direct help to give, might I suggest (if you haven't already) directly going to the Japanese government (specifically a embassy) to ask for their assistance? Present them with your aims (like you have here) and they might be willing to assist you in some way.

Good luck in your endevours here and PLEASE keep us updated. I'd love to see what you come up with.

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