EXAMPLES of Japanese art, including vintage kimonos, will be on display in Northallerton for the next six weeks.

It is the second time the civic centre in the town has housed work by Richmondshire company Vintage Kimono.

For the next six weeks, visitors can view paintings on silk, vintage kimonos, uchikake (wedding kimonos), bolts of kimono fabric and an obi sash.

Many of the paintings were inspired by a visit by company owners Jill Clay and Katie Chaplin to Kyoto where they met geisha and maiko.

The company is also organising a three-day Festival of Japan, in Masham, between May 23 and 25. There will also be a performance by geisha and maiko at the Hambleton Forum on May 22.

The exhibition is open from 8.45am to 5.15pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 8.45am to 4.45pm on Fridays. All artwork is for sale.

For details about the festival of Japan, go to www.vin tagekimono.co.uk

Published: 02/05/2006