Having heard so much about Rassanikone Nanong, what a joy to meet her at an exhibition of textiles from her homeland. Sponsored by Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the show in Akasaka Twin Towers is promoting the work of three of 10 companies working in the arena of traditional Laotian weaving.
Rassanikone is managing director of Nikone Handcraft, which her brochure describes as "Pret a Porter for the home -- traditional and innovative Laotian silk and cotton adornments for the bedroom, dining room, lounge and kitchen."
"Everything is handwoven by women in remote villages to order and design," she explains. "We use only locally grown cotton and silk, colored with natural dyes."