niponica is a web magazine that introduces modern Japan to people all over the world.
2013 No.11
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Japanese Fabrics Have Their Global Reputation Wrapped Up
Dyeing and Weaving
Japan's textile culture—Shaped by a rich array of techniques
Colorful yuzen-zome dyeing textiles quickly came into fashion when they first appeared around the 17th century. This form of resist dyeing, which involves applying thin lines of starch resist paste to woven cloth to outline the design, made it possible to create more delicate patterns and threw open the doors to a wealth of pictorial possibilities in kimono design. In gorgeous colors that lavishly envelop the woman who wears them, yuzen-zome fabric is popular even today.
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Left: Designs evoking Western oil paintings of flowers debuted with the advent of yuzen-zome (early 20th century, from a private collection).
Center: Bold design of Yaezakura (double-flowered cherry blossoms) in full bloom entwined in bamboo latticework (18th century, from the Joshibi University of Art and Design Art Museum collection).
Right: Gorgeous kimono with embroidery-adorned design featuring decorative objects and auspicious motifs such as pine, bamboo and plum (1938, created by Okumi Shinichiro, from the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art collection).
Center: Bold design of Yaezakura (double-flowered cherry blossoms) in full bloom entwined in bamboo latticework (18th century, from the Joshibi University of Art and Design Art Museum collection).
Right: Gorgeous kimono with embroidery-adorned design featuring decorative objects and auspicious motifs such as pine, bamboo and plum (1938, created by Okumi Shinichiro, from the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art collection).