Makuranosoushi A & B from Code Series 3 (枕草子), quilt, Yoshiko Jinzenji (born 1942)

This quilt represents an intersection of two distinct interests: codes and classic literature. The Code Series quilts utilize the principles of the “pigpen cipher,” which substitutes letters with geometric arrangements of lines and dots to graphically encrypt words onto quilts. Using squares of fabric quilted onto bamboo-dyed cotton, these quilts encode, respectively, passages from the epic tale Heike Monogatari (The Tale of the Heiki), Kamo no Chomei’s Houjyoki (An Account of My Hut), and Sei Shonagon’s Makura no Soshi (The Pillow Book). These texts were penned in Japan between the 11th and early 13th centuries. Jinzenji considers all writings that convey the integral philosophies and meanings of Buddhist culture today to be “classics.”