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Explore stories in Northwest history through highlights from MOHAI’s collections. Search by keyword below or browse the entire online collection by entering the asterisk symbol (*). Filter your search by type of materials.

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110 results for: Asian American

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Image of Red and black shirt made by Friends of the Rag, 1978

Red and black shirt made by Friends of the Rag, 1978

Friends of the Rag was a collective of artists working in wearable art and performance. Formed in Seattle in 1972 and including 50 members, Friends of the Rag shows included elaborate costumes, jewelry and metalwork, choreography, music, ceramics, and even electronics. Al Young (1946-2022) modeled this shirt in a Friends of the Rag show and was allowed to keep it…
ID Number:2016.37.1
Date:1978
Image of Foot-pedal stapler from the Moritani Farm on Bainbridge Island, ca. 1930s

Foot-pedal stapler from the Moritani Farm on Bainbridge Island, ca. 1930s

This foot-pedal stapler, made by St. Joseph Iron Works in Michigan, was used by the Moritani family on their farm located at 542 Winslow Way W. on Bainbridge Island, ca. 1930s-1950s. It’s called a “foot-pedal stapler” because it creates and punches the staples that put the berry trays together. These shallow trays were made specifically for raspberries and Olympic Loganberries…
ID Number:2016.58.1
Date:Circa 1930
Image of Furrow plow from the Moritani Farm on Bainbridge Island, ca. 1930s

Furrow plow from the Moritani Farm on Bainbridge Island, ca. 1930s

This furrow plow was used by the Moritani family on their farm located at 542 Winslow Way W. on Bainbridge Island, ca. 1930s-1950s. During WWII, when the Moritani family was incarcerated, a Filipino family by the name of Tolentino managed the farm.
ID Number:2016.58.2
Date:Circa 1930
Image of Muslin rice bag from Uwajimaya, 1928-1950

Muslin rice bag from Uwajimaya, 1928-1950

This rice bag is from the Moriguchi family who founded Uwajimaya, a family-owned supermarket chain headquartered in Seattle's Chinatown International District with other locations in the Pacific Northwest. Fujimatsu Moriguchi began his enterprise in 1928, selling fishcakes and other goods from his truck in Tacoma, Washington. In the mid 1940s, after Moriguchi and his family were released from the incarceration…
ID Number:2016.Uwajimaya.2
Date:1928-1950
Image of Japanese calligraphy scroll by Ritsuko Kashiba,

Japanese calligraphy scroll by Ritsuko Kashiba, "Infinite Blue of the Sea", 2016

Ritsuko Kashiba is an artist and the wife of Seattle chef Shiro Kashiba. She painted this scroll for MOHAI's exhibit, "Edible City: A Delicious Journey" that was on display in 2016-2017 and featured Shiro and his restaurants. Shiro came to Seattle from Japan in 1966.
ID Number:2017.45.1
Date:2016
Image of Chef Shiro Kashiba's kimono cooking jacket, short chef's hat, and apron, ca. 2000s-2010s

Chef Shiro Kashiba's kimono cooking jacket, short chef's hat, and apron, ca. 2000s-2010s

Chef Shiro Kashiba opened Seattle’s first sushi bar in 1970 at the back of the restaurant Maneki. He arrived in Seattle in 1966 after years of rigorous apprenticeships in Tokyo, including under legendary sushi maestro, Jiro Ono. During his more than 50-year career in Seattle, he has run multiple restaurants including Nikko in the Chinatown International District, Shiro’s in Belltown,…
ID Number:2017.45.24.ONLINE
Date:Circa 2000-2010
Image of Dashiki and hat made by the Black People's Unity Movement of Camden, New Jersey, 1968-1969

Dashiki and hat made by the Black People's Unity Movement of Camden, New Jersey, 1968-1969

This black and white dashiki and matching hat belonged to Rev. Dr. Samuel B. McKinney (1926-2018), author and leading civil rights advocate in Seattle, Washington. He served as pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church, one of the largest and oldest Black churches in the Pacific Northwest, from 1958 to 1998 and again from 2005 to 2008. As a visible public…
ID Number:2017.59.5
Date:Circa 1968-1969
Image of Black and white Shah Safari shirt, reproduction of one used in the film,

Black and white Shah Safari shirt, reproduction of one used in the film, "Back to the Future," ca. 2000

Brothers Raj and Akhil Shah launched Shah Safari as teenagers in 1975. The Seattle company designed, manufactured, and imported lightweight, breezy gauze shirts from India. After just eight years in business, Shah Safari owned 24 percent of the national young men’s woven shirt market. Michael J. Fox wore a Shah Safari shirt in the 1985 movie "Back to the Future."…
ID Number:2018.84.1
Date:Circa 2000
Image of Blush colored

Blush colored "Kandan Dress" with tie belt designed by Suk Chai, 2016

Seattle designer Suk Chai loves designing with luxurious and surprising textiles. This dress, from her line SCHAI, is titled the “Kandan Dress.” Kandan is the Korean word for “simple.” The dress has a basic shape, but is made in an alluringly plush and textural fabric.
ID Number:2019.8.1
Date:2016
Image of Box from Punjab Sweets, 2019

Box from Punjab Sweets, 2019

Punjab Sweets, opened in 2001, is an Indian American food establishment that serves Indian food and sweets in Kent, Washington.
ID Number:2019.39.Ref
Date:2019
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Address: 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle WA, 98109
Phone: 206 324 1126
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