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
Modern Fabrics for Today's Lifestyles
Textile designer Sudo Reiko pushes the expressive boundaries of fabric, blending old dyeing and weaving techniques from different parts of Japan with advanced machine technology. These pages show how her creative interpretation of textile culture combines traditional techniques with contemporary innovation to bring new life to Japanese lifestyles.
Textile designer Sudo Reiko
"Eco-bag" made of fabric folded like origami. A paper weave pattern with mountain and valley folds is secured with polyester thread, then heat pleated. All done by hand.
With the "origami weave" technique, the yarn in the fabric's warp and weft is shaped into 3-dimensional mountain and valley folds.
Muffler woven from thick kibiso silken strands (the thick strands spun by silkworms just after they reach spinning stage). Made in collaboration with artisans in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, in an area known for its fine silk fabrics.
Entrance to the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo Hotel, decorated in a theme based on Sudo's work, Woodlands and Water in Japan. (Photo by Okouchi Tadashi)
This work of art by Sudo, entitled Jukon ("Tree Roots"), also adorns the hotel entrance. Woven stainless steel microfibers create the pattern, with pock marks added with a flame. (Photo by Sue McNab)
Right: Thin, double-woven feather organdy made on a Jacquard loom, with bird feathers inserted by hand. This work of art combines factory techniques from Fujiyoshida (another area known for its fine silk fabrics) with handcrafting. Examples of this type of weave by Sudo are now in the permanent collections of art galleries in more than ten locations worldwide, including New York's Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
Left: Feather organdy jacket. Soft to the touch, and so light you would hardly know you are wearing it.
Sudo Reiko
Textile designer, professor at Tokyo Zokei University, and Artistic Director at NUNO Corporation. She makes good use of the advanced technology of Japan's textile production centers to produce unique fabric creations.
http://www.nuno.com/