A New Brand Inheriting the Characteristics of Traditional Ogura-ori

Ogura-ori, woven in the Buzen Kokura domain (Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture) since the early Edo period, is characterized by its three-dimensional vertical stripes created by the rhythmic interplay of colors from its numerous warp threads. It was used for hakama (pleated trousers) and obi (sashes). This durable yet supple cotton fabric, favored by Tokugawa Ieyasu, was highly prized throughout Japan.

In the Meiji era, frosted Ogura-ori was adopted for boys' school uniforms, but it eventually ceased production in the early Showa period due to wartime circumstances. Decades later, dyer and weaver Noriko Chitsuki, inspired by a chance encounter with a small fabric fragment, painstakingly recreated it over nearly two years, reviving it in 1984. Under Chitsuki's design supervision, the wide-width "SHIMA-SHIMA" was launched in 2007 as "contemporary Ogura-ori."

Expressing the New World of "SHIMA-SHIMA" Through Chairs

For this project, "SHIMA-SHIMA" has collaborated with two furniture manufacturers to create chairs upholstered with Ogura-ori. The "Circle Chair," developed with Hans J. Wegner, features an elegant, rounded wooden frame with radially arranged ropes on the backrest, creating a striking impression. Combining this with "SHIMA-SHIMA" textiles adds a fresh aesthetic. Users can select their preferred fabric pattern, allowing for a variety of expressions.

The "Heron Rocking Chair," a collaboration with Tendo Mokko, sees the 1966 Good Design Award-winning masterpiece adorned with "SHIMA-SHIMA" fabric. The comfortable texture of "SHIMA-SHIMA's" original material enhances the experience, offering a more refined and relaxing time. In addition to the "Rocking Chair" and "Ottoman," the collaboration with Tendo Mokko also includes the "Low Seat Chair," which received the Good Design Award in 1964.

Create Your Own Chair with Modern Textiles and Your Favorite Pattern

Orders for the Hans J. Wegner "Circle Chair" and Tendo Mokko "Heron Rocking Chair" and "Low Seat Chair" can be placed by visiting Ogura Creation in Kitakyushu City, or by phone or email. Textile selection is made by the user from the options presented on the website. Orders are accepted until April 2016. Delivery is approximately six months after ordering for the Circle Chair, and approximately three months for Tendo Mokko chairs.

We draw attention to the beautiful balance between the modern textiles of Ogura-ori "SHIMA-SHIMA" and the beloved Danish and Japanese classic chairs.

Hans J. Wegner x SHIMA-SHIMA "Circle Chair"
Price | ¥1,026,000
Size | W1120 x D940 x H970 x SH420mm
Materials | Upholstery: Ogura-ori (SHIMA-SHIMA), Body/Legs: Ash, Oak, Flag Halyard

Tendo Mokko x SHIMA-SHIMA "Heron Rocking Chair"
"Rocking Chair"
Price | ¥127,440
Size | W582 x D853 x H930 x SH428mm
"Ottoman"
Price | ¥49,680
Size | W490 x D355 x H429mm
Materials | Upholstery: Ogura-ori (SHIMA-SHIMA), Wood: Molded natural wood (white beech, urethane resin coating)