Nishijin Textile Art and Craft
asagi
Ito Jakuchu's "Screen Painting of Birds, Animals, Flowers, and Trees"
The world of thread, where delicacy is paramount.
Encounter a masterpiece shrouded in a veil of sophistication.
Ogata Korin, Katsushika Hokusai, Ito Jakuchu, Monet, Van Gogh... Timeless works of art are expressed through exquisitely delicate weaving techniques.
We invite you to explore a new world of art and craft, brought to life by Nishijin weaving, Japan's oldest traditional industry.
Claude Monet, "Water Lilies"
The finest Nishijin 1800-thread jacquard, utterly exquisite.
The beautiful nature of the four seasons, the flowers, birds, wind, and moon, and the countless masterpieces left behind by our predecessors—to express their profound artistic qualities, we weave them with a delicacy four to nine times greater than that of typical Nishijin weaving.
What are the techniques of Asagi Nishijin Textile Art & Craft?
We are meticulous about every single material.
The raw silk used is the "6A grade" from Brazil's Bratac company, which is also used by European super brands. Skilled artisans then meticulously hand-dye it, resulting in a richly colored yarn that is resistant to fading and has a beautiful texture.
The pure gold and platinum leaf used in combination is also of a purity of 999‰ or higher. There's a reason why the luster and quality remain unchanged over time.
Hasegawa Tōhaku, "Cherry, plum,willow,maple and bridge"
Experience Japan's unique aesthetic sense.
Japanese art, which began with the introduction of Buddhism in ancient times and has been influenced by continental culture, has cultivated its own unique methods of expression and aesthetic tastes. The expressions of beauty that have emerged over its long history, such as Buddhist art, Rinpa school, and Ukiyo-e, have had a great influence on European painters such as Monet and Van Gogh.
Expressive brushwork, rich colors, and free-spirited ideas through the world of textiles.
The One Who Weaves Asagi
Short version
Nishijin Textile Art and Craft
The thoughts behind "Asagi"
Left: Sakai Hoitsu, "Cherry Blossom Screen"
Right: Maruyama Ōkyo's "Snowy Pine Tree Painting"
A magnificent scale, measuring 65cm wide by 4.5m long. This is utilized to create a unique, continuous, panoramic image that spans the entire length of the banner.
Asagi Nishijin Textile Art & Craft's origins lie in its unwavering commitment to the traditional "maru obi" (a type of formal kimono sash).
The maru obi, which is twice as wide as the fukuro obi, still boasts the highest level of formality as the obi for most formal occasions. However, its heavy weight makes it difficult to tie, resulting in a decline in production. Nowadays, it is rarely seen.
However, because it can be tied without any inside or outside once tailored, it symbolizes "a relationship without any hidden agenda." And since a long obi symbolizes "a long relationship," it has traditionally been the obi that parents give to the bride at weddings.
Nishijin Textile Industry Association Membership Seal Number 577
The Nishijin-ori Maru Obi, a traditional obi that embodies the love of parents for their children and the Japanese aesthetic, has been revived by Asagi Nishijin Textile Art & Craft as a light, soft, and easy-to-tie obi, reflecting a desire to cherish this traditional culture.
At the same time, by weaving them into art and craft items such as folding screens, hanging scrolls, and tapestries, we were able to create a new aesthetic value for Nishijin-ori, where Nishijin-ori maru obi are not only "worn" but also "viewed as art."
Through the activities of the Nishijin Textile Asagi Museum, Asagi's wish is to preserve Nishijin weaving, Japan's oldest traditional craft, for future generations.
To all businesses
Beyond the realm of obi sashes, Nishijin-ori Asagi is expanding its possibilities as a folding screen, wall painting, and interior decoration.
