KURUME KASURI Fabric - Bleaching Tategasuri Kinari

[About Kurume Kasuri]
Kurume Kasuri is a traditional pre-dyed woven fabric produced by a retro-style belt-driven power loom system comprised of 20 connected looms operated by a single motor. Established in the 23rd year of the Showa era, this is the Kurume Kasuri weaving workshop, representing Japan's heritage in traditional hand-dyed textiles. It boasts a soft and delicate texture reminiscent of hand weaving. With a labor-intensive process, it takes 2 to 4 months to complete over 30 intricate steps. Perfect for those seeking to create a unique piece with traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

[Weaving Characteristics]
Kurume Kasuri employs a unique weaving technique known as "tatekasuri" or "itagasuri," where patterns are exclusively expressed using the warp threads (tateito).

[Bleached Kasuri]
Conventionally, kasuri techniques involve binding and resist dyeing the areas that form patterns, allowing them to emerge in the final piece. As a result, patterned areas are lighter compared to the background color. For instance, the stark contrast in colors often seen with navy backgrounds and white or black characters with white accents is a result of this technique. Bleached kasuri, however, reverses this process. It involves dyeing the entire fabric in black or navy first. The threads are then bound according to the pattern (tying process), and the fabric is subsequently bleached. This results in the bound sections retaining their color, while the unbound areas become white, creating patterns on a white background. Reversing the usual steps not only involves swapping the sequence of work but also increases the overall number of steps, including preparations before and after. Consequently, creating bleached kasuri usually involves an additional 2 to 3 steps compared to standard kasuri.

[Cotton Husks]
"Kinari," or cotton husks, in Kurume Kasuri refers to unbleached fabric. It features small blackish specks on the surface, which are remnants of cotton leaves and stems. To enjoy more natural hues without heavy reliance on chemical treatments, the concept of leaving cotton husks in the fabric has become popular in line with sustainability principles. These husks gradually fall off with each wash.

[Specifications]
Warp Threads: 40/2
Weft Threads: 16/1
Fabric Thickness Indication: Standard
Chemical Dyeing: 100%
Cotton: 100%
Weaving Width: Approximately 37~38 cm
Finished with hot water treatment and sun drying (shrinkage of about 10%, allowing for direct cutting and sewing after purchase).

[Notes]
Sold in 6-meter increments
Price is based on a per 6-meter unit
Actual colors may appear slightly different from photos.