Fabrics Born of Nature's Palette

In this volume, writer Kusao Katayanagi meticulously documents the world of exquisite Japanese textiles across the country.

The book delves into the allure of natural textiles derived from plants, including "Tofu" from Tokushima, made by bleaching paper mulberry fibers in rivers—a craft designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property this year. It also explores "Bashofu" from Okinawa, an Important Intangible Cultural Property created by the 96-year-old Living National Treasure Toshiko Taira; the traditional Ainu "Attus" weaving from Hokkaido, with only two artisans capable of producing it; and the beautiful snow-bleached "Echigo Jōfu" and "Ojiya Chijimi" from Niigata, among many other plant-based woven wonders.

Further highlights include the masterful techniques of textile artists, such as the "Mokuhan-zuri Sarasa" from Saga, where intricate patterns are dyed using precise woodblocks carved by Living National Treasure Shizuto Suzuta himself, and "Hanakura-ori" from Okinawa, a Ryukyu Dynasty tradition showcasing the refined color sense of Mineko Ito.

This is a collection that offers encounters not only with renowned textiles but also with rare dyeing and weaving techniques that even most Japanese people are unaware of.

"Te-shigoto o Nokoshitai: Nihon no Senshoku"
Price: ¥2,808 (incl. tax)
Published by: Sekai Bunka Publishing
Sales URL |http://amzn.asia/2HLjlFx

Contents
Attus weaving
Echigo Jōfu
Ojiya Chijimi
Kuzu cloth
Satsuma Kasuri
Paper cloth
Tofu
Tanba cloth
Nanbu Hishi-zashi
Bashofu
Hanakura-ori
Boshi Shibori
Miyako Jōfu
Woodblock-printed Sarasa
Yaeyama Jōfu
Yuki Chijimi
Yuki Tsumugi
Yumi-hama Kasuri
And other Japanese materials