Asahi (Katsuko Y.) Collection, ca. 1960-1990

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Title:: Kay Asahi Collection
Dates:: ca. 1960-1990
Creators:: Asahi, Katsuko (1922-2010)
Abstract:
Extent:: 3.5 linear feet. (2 file cabinet drawers containing 22 folders, and one oversize box).
Language:
Preferred citation:: Kay Asahi Collection. The Lace Museum

Scope and content:: Contains sample books, prickings, diagrams, and examples of bobbin lace created by Kay Asahi and used in her teaching and mail order businesses. Includes source material as well as hand-drawn diagrams and instructions.
Biographical / historical:: Kay Asahi developed an interest in handcrafts during her confinement in a Japanese Internment Camp during World War II, and later took up lacemaking during the 1960s, when she wrote to Denmark for supplies and information. Kay's scholarship included diagramming and producing samples for all the grounds illustrated in Gertrude Whiting's book, A Lace Guide for Makers and Collectors. She seems to have been the first in the United States to use the now standard European color coding for her diagrams. Kay also designed original lace, both on commission and for her students, and carved bone gimp bobbins.
Acquisition information:: Donated by Kathy Yamamoto, 2013-2015.

Collection Guide Author:: Finding aid created by The Lace Museum staff.
Date Prepared:: ca. 1960-1990
Date Encoded:: This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:55 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:: Contact museum for access questions.
Terms of access:: Property rights reside with the library. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs.

Location of this collection:: The Lace Museum

200 Brown Road, Suite 300

Fremont, CA 94539, US