Aya Cagiu graduated from a course of sculpture Tama Art University in 2001. She makes her art works by "Nihon shishu" which is Japanese handmade embroidery made using silk thread. Nihon shishu originated from 'shubutsu' (embroidered Buddha), which came from India via the Silk Road in China around A.D. 500. In Japan, it is believed that shubutsu flourished particularly during Asuka Period and has acquired special meaning praying.

Cagiu's works are also made of the prayer in the world of today. Through her sophisticated original art work, we become to know the possibility of the embroidery as the expression beyond the handcrafts.

*image (left)
sunlight, 2013
silk on wooden panel, 28.5x35cm
© Aya Cagiu