Japanese & Asian Textiles (Textile Love)

The process of Yuzen

2012-02-06T18:52:00.000-08:00

Definition via Yamatoku

Yuzen is a colorful hand-dyeing technique. As each pattern is drawn by hand, this process requires high technique and painstaking effort for mastering this skill. Each Yuzen Kimono is an artwork so cannot be produced in large quantities. Kimono artists bring up an idea for the painting first, and draw it on the canvas of Kimono fabric. Yuzen technique was originally invented by Yuzen Miyazaki, a famous Kyoto fan-painter during the Genroku period (1688-1704) of the Edo period. Until then, monochromatic indigo design was a trend, but his colorful dyeing design soon gained in popularity and was loved by women of all classes. Indeed, this innovative technique gave a tremendous impact on the conventional dyeing techniques. By tracing dye-resist paste made from pasty rice on the outline of each pattern, the color is isolated, and it avoids mixing colors. In this way, colorful dyeing became possible. This Yuzen technique spread all over Japan, and each region developed its own distinctive characteristics. Two of the most famous regions for Yuzen technique are Kaga, original name of Kanazawa and Edo, original name of Tokyo.

almost a year since my last post...

2008-03-11T09:38:00.001-07:00

well as you can see this blog has taken a back burner recently. so i just wanted to update this blog with some pictures!

these are pictures of my daughter's kimonos:

i have more pictures of vintage fabric on my flickr

Mini Movie On Korean Hanbok

2007-05-24T11:12:00.001-07:00

not really related to textiles

2007-04-03T10:38:00.000-07:00

however in regards to the kimono a maiko is the one who makes them famous:

kimono magazine

2006-03-06T10:57:00.000-08:00

nh Femme magazine is the name. it has everything from kimono ettique, style & hairstyles.

there are great classy pics and cute accessories but the comic strip cracked me up!

first the classy: i love finger wave hairstyle

stylin' kimono

kimono ettique

and the little comic. western photographers shout "oh a geisha!!!" because of the kimono....

i'm not a geisha!

Kimono in Kyoto

2006-02-16T10:20:00.000-08:00

Geez...I've had this in my draft folder for months!!! (since 12/05/05!!!!) unfortunately there are a few more too!

This is a partial email from a friend in Japan and I had asked her about different Kimono available in Kyoto and here is what she had to share:

The most famous kimono in Kyoto is Nishijin(The name of place).
I will introduce some pictures
.
http://www.nishijin.net/maizuru/index2.htmThis kimono has origin of Genji-Monogatari(Famous book written by Murasakishikibu).
This story is love story about Hikarugenji.(He is hero in the story) You cann see him
in this link.
http://www.nishijin-hasegawa.com/event/event.htm
This is exposition of Nishijin-ori. Many people come from other prefecture.
Because Nishijin is also famous in Japan.

I can good site on web about Nishijin-Ori. You can understand the history.
http://www.kakuwa.co.jp/nhistorye.html
http://www.kakuwa.co.jp/nproductse.html

Some young people remake texture of kimono and wear as daily wear.

...... The most famous place of kurotome is Kaga
in Japan. tome means to stay one place long. The meaning is you do not
devorceYou live with your partner forever.
This is Kaga Kurotome.
http://www.ishibi.pref.ishikawa.jp/msm-html/03028000.html
.....See you Miyako

I had to edit it down to take out personal commentary there but the links that Miyako provided are very informative!

and speaking of kurotome this a photo of mine:

its from pre war time. i can't seem to find a close up of it at the moment but it does have some very pretty embroidery on it.

Book Review: Hitori de dekiru kitsuke to obimusubi

2006-01-14T16:15:00.000-08:00

Hitori de dekiru kitsuke to obimusubi: (Japanese Text)
By 主婦の友社 (編さん)

ISBN: 4072395633
2003

This instructional book is a how to put on kimono, and how to hairdress for wearing kimono & obi folding as well.

I think this book is set up for the modern woman who is interested in trying to wear kimono. There are some great photos in the book.

I'd check it out at your local library.

Amazon Japan (translated) link to book.
Here is the regular Amazon Japan link to the book.

Book Review: Rapt In Colour

2006-01-11T13:34:00.000-08:00

Rapt in Colour: Korean Textiles and Costumes of the Chosen Dynasty
By Power House Museum & The Museum of Korean Embroidery. Clair Roberts & Huh Dong-hwa
ISBN: 1-86317-074X
1989

"In Korean literature needle work is often described as creativity born of sorrow and regret." I believe this to be true from what I have read about Korea's history.

I took many scans of this book (since I checked it our from the library). There are simply stunning pictures of pojagi (korean wrapping cloths). Here are some links to some examples:
Link 1 (korean language website)
Link 2 (english)
Link 3 Modern twists to the pojagi concept (in Japanese)
There is also some interesting information in the book about costumes and various other things too. But I think the big selling point of this book is definitely the images.
This book is a must for textile lovers.
Get it and have it available to browse on your coffee table. ^_^

Amazon Link to book.

Book Review: The Kimono Inspiration

2005-12-06T23:51:00.000-08:00

The Kimono Inspiration-Art & Art to Wear in America
By The Textile Museum, Washington DC
(Original published as a catalog for the exhibition in Washington DC)
ISBN: 0-87654-598-3
1996

-The world is getting smaller...-(forward)
This book has a lot of information about the history of the introduction of the kimono to the western culture.

-...I remember that in the postwar years, Japan exported to the US a large volume of silk materials as well as sold them as souvenirs to foreign visitors most of them Americans. To attract the American customers in those days we thought that we had to make colourful materials with large patterns, which seemed too gaudy for most Japanese to wear. In retrospect, that may have been our misunderstanding. Now I know that Americans also love traditional Japanese materials with simple patterns & colours...-Masako "Mimi" Kuriyama-

This book also has some interesting stuff about Frank Lloyd Wright. He collected kimono & kesa.

There are some very interesting photos of created kimono some pieced together, some loom knitted. Also, some very modern looking/non traditional designs.
Interesting reference read.

Link to the Textile Museum in Washington, DC
Link to Frank Lloyd Wright's museum collection.
Amazon Link to book.

Check it out at your local library.

Kaga Yuzen (Video links)

2005-12-06T00:07:00.000-08:00

This is an exerpt that I received last April from my friend Miyako. She led me to these links (be sure to view the video clips). I kept her writting the same as is it in the way as I received it.

I will tell you about kaga yuzen.kaga is the name of place
in Ishikawa.
http://shofu.pref.ishikawa.jp/shofu/yuuzen/yuuzen_e/history.htm

This is history about kaga yuzen. We can see yuzen in Kyoto.
the style is not same kaga yuzen has original style and character.
You can understand difference style of kimono between old day and now.
I think kaga yuzen is more bright than kimono in Kyoto. Style in kyoto is
modest I think.
http://shofu.pref.ishikawa.jp/shofu/yuuzen/yuuzen_e/works.htm
It is hard work to make kimono designer has good skill and they make original kimono
It is difficult skill and they have to practice for a long time.

You can see kaga yuzen art not only in kimono but also something.
http://shofu.pref.ishikawa.jp/shofu/yuuzen/yuuzen_e/works.htm

I think most famous place of kimono in Japan is Kyoto and next is
Kanazawa. Both prefectures have long history and original culture.
There is a lot of foreigners to sightseeing. I think this is most important
thing to make original culture. They want to wish to understand their own culture
to foreigners.So they make kimono I think.

Thank you so much Miyako!!!

book review: Japanese Detail- Fashion

2005-12-05T23:41:00.000-08:00

Japanese Detail- Fashion
By Sadao Hibi
ISBN 0-87701-587-2
1989

This is one of the books from the Japanese Detail series from Sadao Hibi.
Sadao Hibi is a noted photographer from Japan so of course the pictures his books are immaculate. But is lacking of deep information, so my review will be short and sweet.

In this book there are exceptional photos of textile patterns up close. Kimono, happi coats, obijime, obiage, hair ornaments & combs. Amongst other things. I found the toilet items to be most interesting. If you are interested in images this is a great book to consider.

Amazon Link to book.

Coffee Table Worthy

Book Review: Japanese Design

2005-11-28T21:04:00.000-08:00

Japanese Designs through textile patterns
By Frances Blakemore
ISBN 0-8348-0132-9
First Edition 1978 pp 272

I checked this book out from the seattle public library. It is a beautiful little book (hardback) with well over 200 black and white designs all with little commentary about the design. Most often the comments indicate for what occasion the design would be used or worn (kimono). The last section (seven) is dedicated to the Chrysanthemum Patterns. The Japanese Imperial Crest is a 16 pedal chrysanthemum that is said to have evolved from a sun emblem associated the sun goddess.

This book is an extremely outstanding reference book for those who are just becoming familiar with Japanese textile design. The contents of the book is broken down into categories:
1.Water-Related Patterns
2.Sky-Related Patterns
3.Abstract Patterns
4.Flower Patterns
5.Tree and Leaf Patterns
6.Garden-Related Patterns
7.Chrysanthemum Patterns

Amazon Link to book.

Highly Recommended

Hello!

2005-11-26T19:44:00.000-08:00

I'm Thea. I have been a big fan of asian textiles my entire life. My dad was in the United States Navy and travelled over to Asia quite a bit when I was young and before I was born. He actually met my mother in the Philippines. She brought over many of her country's traditional fabrics & and sewing techniques. As far back as I can remember my family in the Philippines & Japan would sent beautiful fabrics to us. And also my mom "trained" my dad to keep his eyes peeled for good fabrics when he travelled abroad.

This blog is to share my admiration for traditional Japanese, Filipino, Korean, Chinese & other asian textile designs. Also I have read MANY books on the topic and I intend to share ISBN numbers and mini reviews on them to help you learn more about them too!

*^_^* Thea Starr