By Lena Okamoto, Kimono ikasu
Located in Setagaya City, JP
Certified Kimono Meister work / Certificate of Authenticity included.
One-of-a-kind Japanese textile art made from vintage kimono fabrics.
Sustainable artwork for modern interiors, collectors, boutique hotels, and lovers of Japanese aesthetics.
Fabrics featuring iconic Japanese plants like chrysanthemum, maple, and bamboo were gathered from various long underwear and kimono pieces to create a set of canvases (diameter 30, 25 and 20cm) showcasing exquisite gradations.
The top canvas, in pristine white, originates from long under-kimono, while the middle and bottom canvases are skillfully upcycled from kimono fabrics.
[Period / Story]
The long under-kimono and kimono fabrics used in these canvases were originally crafted and worn during the late Showa period (1960-80ies).
[Explanation and meaning of pattern and colors]
The pattern on the top canvas features a chrysanthemum, an auspicious emblem symbolizing longevity. It is affectionately referred to as the "raccoon dog chrysanthemum" due to the large, overlapping petals resembling the fur of a muzina, a creature similar to a raccoon dog or badger. This motif is highly popular in various plant-inspired designs and frequently seen in Edo komon, katazome, and jimon textiles.
The top canvas naga-juban under-kimono, being entirely white and devoid of any additional dyes, suggests its use as formal wear. Its pristine white hue accentuates the silk's luster when exposed to light and highlights the beauty of the woven patterns.
The fabric used here is rinzu, a type of fabric thinner than crepe de chine, characterized by its soft, smooth texture and subtle sheen. This particular lintel distinguishes itself with the way its ground pattern emerges and also incorporates a woven chrysanthemum pattern.
The central canvas showcases a maple tree, symbolizing longevity, which changes its colors with the seasons, bringing joy and happiness to people's lives.
The bamboo featured on the lower canvas has been regarded as a symbol of good fortune since ancient times, given its straight and vigorous growth, along with the Chinese legend that a phoenix consumes its fruit. It embodies concepts such as "immortality," "longevity," and "strength" because it remains green even in winter. The hollow stem also signifies "innocence," suggesting that there are no hidden agendas.
All three canvases are adorned with ground patterns that, when viewed from a distance, appear as modern works of art, yet upon closer inspection, they reveal a distinct Japanese ambiance.
[Characteristics of the fabric]
All three canvases are made of fabrics with jimon. The unique and high level of Japanese weaving...
Category
1970s Japanese Japonisme Vintage Thread Furniture
MaterialsYarn, Thread, String, Textile, Fabric, Silk, Canvas