Traditional bamboo craft in modern Japanese lifestyle
Japanese art of bamboo weaving and plaiting takes full advantage of the strength and flexibility of bamboo strips to produce high-quality baskets. Meet the artisan who went further and challenged himself to create elegant bags using the traditional basket-making technique. The various processes involved in the creation of a hand-woven bag, such as bamboo splitting, weaving, lacquer applying and sewing, are all done by one person with a scrupulous attention to detail. It is said that it takes 3 years to learn how to split bamboo properly: mastering the Japanese weaving and plaiting techniques requires long-time training and effort. 8 basic ways of bamboo weaving unfold into infinite variations of shapes and patterns.

The beauty of Nishiki created through orchestrated effort of numerous craftsmen
Since ancient times, Nishiki-ori, Kyoto silk brocades woven with gold, silver and multi-colored threads, have been valued for their luxurious appearance. KOHO Nishiki Textile Studio undertakes the restoration of precious ancient textiles and conducts a thorough research about the traditional weaving techniques, from the silk cocoons processing to the tools and weaving equipment. Nishiki textiles are created through the combined skills of numerous craftsmen, involving not less than 70 various processes. The works of the textile artist Koho Tatsumura are characterized by a stunning luminous three-dimensional effect and are called “The Weaving of Light” overseas.

Nishijin Tsuzure-ori: delicate painting-like brocade weaving
Have you ever heard of Kyoto nail-scratching tapestry weaving technique? Artisan sharpens his fingernails into a saw-tooth shape and uses them like a comb to create a relief brocade pattern. This technique is very advanced and time consuming — even the most skillful and experienced craftsman spends the whole day to weave only a few centimeters of textile. Don’t miss the unique opportunity to learn from the master craftsman Kikuo Hirano about Tsuzure-ori weaving and get some insights into the art of color arrangement.

The ultimate protector of Kyoto-style umbrella tradition
Established more than 100 years ago, Hiyoshiya is actually the only producer of Kyo-wagasa, traditional Kyoto-style umbrella, which plays an important role in various cultural events such as outdoor tea ceremonies, Noh and Kabuki stage performances, as well as solid and rustic umbrella for general use. Kyo-wagasa, made from carefully selected bamboo and washi (Japanese paper), is held in high esteem in Japan and overseas. Recently, Hiyoshiya has also been actively designing and producing new lifestyle products, such as lighting equipment, using traditional umbrella-making methods and techniques.

Rich glow of gold brocade
At Orisho Hirai, silk threads are intertwined with gold threads and woven into splendid gold brocade priest robes. According to the Nishijin weaving tradition, the umebata loom is installed below ground level to create the perfect condition for weaving—humidity softens the silk threads, making them easier to deal with. Kyoto traditional technique called hikibaku consists of affixing gold leaves on a sheet of washi paper with lacquer, cutting it into extremely thin filaments (about 0.3 mm) and weaving the obtained gold threads into the silk fabric for the luxurious three-dimensional effect.

Kyoto mounting works combining beauty and utility
The role of a hanging scroll is beautiful presentation and safe long-term conservation of a piece of artwork on paper. Gaining rich experience as master mounter working for Urasenke tea ceremony school, Seikodo Nakajima takes advantage of peculiarities of materials such as washi paper and kire (cut pieces of textile) to deal with all kinds of mountings that combine beauty and utility (hanging scrolls, fusuma and shoji sliding door panels, folding screens, etc.). In Kyoto, the craft of mounting has developed along with fine arts and tea ceremony. Kyoto mountings that match calligraphy and paintings with multi-coloured kire of Nishijin textiles are especially held in high esteem.

Still flourishing phantom dyeing technique

Tsujigahana was in fashion in Azuchi-Momoyama period (1558-1600), when it was a term designating a gorgeous kimono. Nowadays, it’s called a “phantom dyeing technique” because of its very little documented origins. ESHIBORIAN is an atelier where Fukumura Hirotoshi and his son Takeshi are reviving tsujigahana dyeing techniques. Shibori-zome, or tie-dyeing performed by sewing, binding and clamping fabric before immersing it into dye liquor, is complemented by other decorative techniques, such as hand painting, to create picturesque bright-coloured patterns. This precious traditional craft is maintained in the northern part of Kyoto blessed with high-quality underground water.

Feel the history of Nishijin brocades in an old Kyoto machiya
Established in 1906, Watabun is a long-standing shop specializing in Nishijin silk brocades. From yarn dyeing and warping to weaving gorgeous obi sashes by hand and Noh costume restoration, the establishment protects the original Nishijin-ori techniques by maintaining the traditional system of division of labour. Watabun is situated in Daikoku-cho district, the heart of Nishijin textile industry with numerous weaving companies standing side by side. Orinasukan, a textile museum adjoining the workshop, has an architectural style characteristic of Nishijin weavers’ houses. Watabun and its neighbourhood with traditional Kyoto merchant houses and stone paving is a perfect place to feel the history of old Kyoto.