Kasuri: the Traditional Art of Japanese Dyeing and Weaving.
Traditional Japanese Kasuri fabrics are created using a method of weaving together threads that have a pattern dyed into them. The patterns are created using a resist dyeing technique known as Ikat. This resist dying technique is combined with traditional indigo dye making to create the distinctive blurry edge patterns that make Kasuri textiles so unique and beautiful.
Kasuri textiles made their way to Japan from China in the 8th century. Some of these extraordinary early examples of Chinese Kasuri are preserved at the National Shosoin Repository in Japan. But it wasn't until the 18th century that Kasuri dying and weaving really took off in Japan. The combination of an abundance of cotton and an impoverished farming community help lead to a thriving rural production of these beautiful handmade fabrics.
Much of the Kasuri produced in Japan was woven by farm women at home using backstrap frame looms. The fabric was used to make kimonos as well as futon covers, clothing, and quilts. The fabric is traditional about thirteen inches wide and about twenty nine feet long. This is the traditional size of fabric for making a kimono.
Here is a great video that shows the process of Kasuri dying and weaving:
Kasuri patterns are often geometric in nature. The patterns are often made up of small dots, circles, crosses, squares, dashes, and grids of different styles. The fabric we use for the Indigo Kasuri necktie and batwing bowtie has a cross or hash mark that is similar to a traditional igeta pattern.
Our beautiful Indigo Kasuri necktie and batwing bowtie are made of 100% Japanese cotton with a traditional indigo Kasuri motif. The deep blue field of the material combined with the tan pattern make this neckwear easy to wear as either casual or dressed up.
Check out our pinterest board on Kasuri: