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I went sightseeing on Taketomi Island in Okinawa and had a chance to ride on a water buffalo cart. I took a photo of the buffalo when he had a very nice look on his face. I decided to turn this good memory into a rug. This was my first time hooking a large animal, so I tried focusing on my hooking direction and materials. I think that helped me to be successful in expressing the fur naturally. Using a #3 cut allowed me to add detail to the fur on the animal’s back.
I like the buffalo’s gentle eyes best. Also, I think his nicely aligned front paws are cute.
From the Judges:
An earthy color palette gives a true sense of this story, and the background colors complement and not overwhelm. Subtle textured highlights throughout the buffalo create perfect realism. Pristine accuracy in perspective and depth. The cultural and environmental aspects also tell us a story of a traditional way of life.
I devised the horns and fur to look as though they are glowing in the sun. I changed the direction of the loops so that you can see the difference between the long and short hair. In order to create the texture of the stone wall in the background, I used several different textured wools. I was careful to make sure that there were unevenness and shadows on the ground—which was hooked horizontally—under the buffalo’s feet. I framed the rug with one of the textured wools that I used for the stone wall. I think that lends a feeling of unity and calm to this piece.
Water Buffalo, 24 ½” x 27 ½”, #3-cut hand-dyed wool on linen. Designed and hooked by Naomi Kawano, Tokyo, Japan, 2024.
Naomi Kawano
TOKYO, JAPAN
Naomi loves handcrafts. In 2011, she started rug hooking at Chizuko Rug Hooking Studio and learning biweekly. She enjoys making rugs related to the scenery and memories from her trips.