Hakata-ori Chima Sumi-gyo Pattern Hachisun Nagoya Obi

Product Information

 Includes tailoring fee / made to order Four items (two patterns, two colors)

Produced at Kyowa Textile Mill, founded in 1914, using the traditional Hakata-ori technique known as “E-ori Hakata,” one of the seven traditional Hakata weaving techniques. To faithfully reproduce the bleeding and fading effects unique to ink, multiple trial weavings were conducted before arriving at this woven expression. Careful attention was paid to the colors of both the washi-like base and the ink motifs, expressing subtle gradations through the layering of fine weft threads. The ground structure, designed to resemble the texture of washi paper, is extremely delicate and requires a higher level of skill than standard textiles, and is carefully woven with great precision. 

Message

 Although Hakata-ori is well known for its traditional kento pattern, I was deeply impressed that the world of ink expression could be so faithfully recreated in woven form, and I have great respect for the artisans’ skill. It is also a great honor that “Iroha” received the Fukuoka Prefectural Federation of Small and Medium Enterprise Associations Chairman’s Award at the 120th Hakata-ori Exhibition, and “Iroha ni Hoheto” received the Encouragement Award at the 3rd Japan Traditional Culture Grand Prix. I hope that challenges toward new expressions will lead to the preservation and further development of traditional techniques.

Delivery time: 2 months (one item per design available for immediate shipment)