Kurume Kasuri

 

Kurume Kasuri, made using hand-woven techniques and hand-tied indigo dyeing, is unrivaled in beauty among all Japanese cotton Kasuri.

Intricate yet simple and warm kasuri patterns come in a variety of designs, from small to medium and large, and even illustrated kasuri.

The hand-tying process, which determines the finished pattern, requires great skill.

Kurume Kasuri patterns are created using hand-woven techniques and hand-tied indigo dyeing, and are classified into small, medium, and large patterns depending on the size and number of patterns in relation to the width of the fabric (35-38cm).

The patterns can be broadly divided into geometric patterns and pictorial patterns, and both often use animals, plants, and objects that are considered to be auspicious.

We use high-quality natural indigo for our indigo dyeing.

By repeating the process of dipping the fabric in indigo, squeezing it, and beating it approximately 50 to 60 times, a beautiful color with a striking contrast between white and navy blue is achieved.

Each of these detailed steps, which involve carefully weaving the fabric while matching the patterns, requires considerable skill.

This is also something that takes time and effort, I respect the person who came up with this idea.

Well, see you next time.

Aizu cotton

 

Aizu cotton is a traditional plain-woven cotton fabric from Fukushima Prefecture that is durable, shrink-resistant, thick, and fluffy, with beautiful striped patterns.

The unique knots created by the wheat flour paste applied to the warp threads trap air in the fabric, making it cool in summer and warm in winter, and providing excellent moisture absorption and heat retention.

The more you use it, the softer it becomes, and it is durable and resistant to washing, so it can be washed at home.Even today, it is loved for a variety of purposes, including fashion and accessories.

The beautiful striped pattern, woven with two or more colors of warp thread, gives the viewer a sense of calm and warmth.

This fabric was popular among common people as work clothes (farm work clothes), and the manufacturing methods and techniques have been passed down to the present day.

Aizu cotton is used for everyday clothing, such as shirts, pants, skirts, and Samue.

I've made it into a dress and love it. It's so comfortable.

Well, see you next time.

Kiryu Weaving

 

Kiryu weaving is a high-quality fabric with a history of over 1,000 years, produced in the area around Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture, and is characterized by its unique luster, soft texture, and fine unevenness.

Seven weaving techniques, namely Omeshi weaving, Weft Nishiki weaving, Warp Nishiki weaving, Futsuori weaving, Uki-warp weaving, Warp Kasuri pattern weaving, and Isoori weaving, have been designated as traditional crafts of Japan, and by making full use of these techniques, it is possible to create delicate patterns and picturesque expressions.

There are records of yellow ashiginu in the Nara period, and it is a traditional craft with a history of over 1,000 years.

It is primarily made using the yarn dyeing technique (a technique in which the yarn is dyed before weaving), and is characterized by complex and delicate patterns, such as combining multiple colors with a single color warp thread or expressing patterns with a double structure.

Kiryu weaving is characterized by its intricate patterns and beautiful colors, and is used for a variety of products such as kimonos, obi sashes, and more recently, clothing and bags.

Kimonos have a long history, so the history of fabrics is also long, and various types have been created in different regions.

I can't wear all of them, but I'd like to have about a third of them.

Well, see you next time.