that would depict, as he put it, the "grandeur of the universe". These artworks would ultimately develop into 'The Symphony of Light' collection. Kubota would ultimately pass away in 2003 before the completion of the series. technique is a complex process comprising several steps: first comes the preliminary drawing where the pattern will be stitched on the white fabric; then comes the tying; and thirdly, the dyeing of the fabric. The dyeing step has to be perfectly mastered to achieve the desired result – the dye will react differently according to the fabric and the colours used. To get a multi-coloured fabric, each tone will have to be applied separately from the others. The result will be a superimposition of one-colour layers with, or without overlap. The next steps, unthreading (revealing the design), steaming and fixing the colours and textile are followed by the ultimate one, when the designer draws patterns on the white-out areas of the fabric in ink. Works Kubota's creations are collectively known as The Kubota Collection. The Collection consists of 104 kimono dyed using the technique. Throughout his life, Kubota was strongly motivated by his long-standing admiration and love for nature, with the subject matter of his kimono exploring and depicting themes of nature, the cosmos, and the seasons. The Collection includes the works from the 'Mount Fuji', 'Oceans', 'Universe' series, some individual pieces, and Kubota's unfinished lifetime project, 'The Symphony of Light'. Some of the kimono were featured in Noh and kabuki theatrical productions, in fashion shows, music concerts and exhibitions around the world. Due to their fragility and importance for Japan's cultural history, and in accordance with Kubota's wishes, parts of his creations are displayed all year-round in the Itchiku Kubota Museum and artist studio. The 'Symphony of Light' Collection Kubota's 'Symphony of Light' Collection is a continuous series of dyed kimono, and Kubota's most significant and memorable work. It is the product of Kubota's interest in the effects of light upon nature, with Kubota once stating that "Light plunges everything into endlessly changing colour. Such light brings a special beauty to bloom". The 'Symphony of Light' started out as a set of five kimono that, when shown together, would form a continuous landscape coloured by the light of a setting sun and adorned with motifs. This set was exhibited to great acclaim in a 1982 exhibition that toured 21 cities throughout Japan. The