KURUME KASURI Fabric - Plum Pink (Bleached)

[About Kurume Kasuri]
A retro belt-driven power loom consisting of twenty interlinked weaving machines powered by a single motor. Founded in 1948, Kurume Kasuri is a traditional pre-dyed woven fabric that represents Japan. It boasts a soft texture akin to hand-weaving and is characterized by its intricate manual process, taking 2 to 4 months to complete over 30 steps. This fabric is ideal for those seeking to create exquisite pieces with a dedication to Japanese traditional textiles.

[Weaving Characteristics]
Expressing patterns through the overlap of warp threads (Tateito) and weft threads (Yokoito) is a technique called "Tateyoko Kasuri." Kurume remains the last production site possessing the expertise to weave this technique using power looms. Combining the presence of binding (Kukuri) machinery and skilled binders, it's no exaggeration to say that Kurume Kasuri is the sole producer in the world that carries forward the pinnacle of Tateyoko Kasuri technology.

[Bleach Discharge Kasuri]
Typically, kasuri involves tying the parts that form the pattern with thread to resist dyeing, creating raised patterns. Consequently, the patterned parts appear lighter than the background. For instance, the prevalence of contrasting colors like white on navy or black on white is due to this effect. Bleach discharge technique reverses this process. First, the entire fabric is dyed in colors such as black or navy. The dyed threads are then tied to form the desired pattern (binding process). Subsequently, when bleached, only the tied portions retain their color while the rest becomes white, resulting in patterns of black on white or navy on white. Reversing the usual process not only entails rearranging the steps but also increasing the overall workload due to preparation before and after the main process. This makes bleach discharge kasuri about 2 to 3 steps more labor-intensive than conventional kasuri.

[Seasonal Flowers]
Incorporating seasonal flowers like plum blossoms, chrysanthemums, camellias, and hydrangeas enriches life's beginnings and celebrations with the symbolism of flowers. Each flower holds a unique "language of flowers," and the practice of adorning life with flowers, like "carrying flowers" or "offering flowers," brings abundance to the heart.

[Plum Blossoms]
A motif symbolizing flowering through adversity, plum blossoms hold auspicious meanings. The play on words with "ume" (plum) implies "giving birth," making them significant for prayers of safe childbirth. The flower language of plum blossoms includes "elegance," "nobility," "patience," and "faithfulness." These meanings originate from plum blossoms flourishing in February, a period still marked by harsh cold. Their resilience in blooming amidst chilly winds led to these associations. Additionally, the flower language of "faithfulness" is connected to Sugawara no Michizane, a noble from the Heian period. Sugawara, revered as a deity of learning, was exiled to Dazaifu in Kyushu, and a cherished plum tree is said to have flown to him during that time. This legend led to the attribution of "faithfulness" to plum blossoms.

[Specifications]
Warp Yarn: 40/2, Weft Yarn: 20/1
Fabric Thickness: Standard
100% Chemically Dyed Cotton
Width: Approximately 37 cm
Finished with boiling and sun drying (approx. 10% shrinkage, allowing for immediate cutting and sewing after purchase)
White and red

[Notes]
Sold in increments of 6 meters
Price reflects the cost per 6 meters
Slight color variation between the actual product and photos is possible.