SARU

Named for the Japanese snow monkey, Saru is a tapestry of macaques and persimmons woven with metallic lamé yarns. Monkeys figure prominently in the folklore of Japan as both messengers of the gods and cunning tricksters. In many Shinto myths, monkeys descend from the mountains to deliver gifts from kami (spirits), including persimmons — symbols of good luck and longevity. The samurai and second unifier of Japan, Toyotomi Hideyoshi was called “Saru” for his shrewd mind and cunning methods. Even today, monkeys are viewed with respect and caution — they are curious, restless souls who wander freely between worlds.