Overview:
Designed in Kyoto, Kyo-Komon Textile, is a fine patterned textile. Kyo Kimono Textile originated nearly 1200 years ago used for samurai of the Edo period. During the Edo period wide legged pleated trousers called, “Hakama” were the trend at the time. Hakama were made with komon-dyed linen fabric. During this time the Kimono was on the rise, and people wanted to dress with more color which led the craft into color drawing away from its original monochrome color scheme. Recently the process has been used in accessories such as bags.
History:
Dating back to the origin of stencils, after the Onin War, and during the Muromachi period, the silk industry was booming which led to an array of silk fabrics to be produced. As an output Kyo-Komon was created. Military powers Tokugawa, and Uesugi were rumored to wear this luxurious silk fabric called Kyo-Komon, which led to more popularity of the dyeing process. Compared to the other dyeing processes at the time the Kyo Komon textile was more colorful than the Edo Komon.
Process:
First the stencil paper is made of four sheets of Mino Washi, then the alternating grains of paper are glued together. After it is dried, the design is applied to the stencil paper and it is cut to apply to the fabric. The process is very tedious and it requires a lot of patience. Dye is then added to a thickening liquid, and is then mixed. Mixing the dye well is required for the right distribution of the dye. Then the stencil is applied to the cloth with resist paste, and then the color is added onto the fabric. The fabric is then steamed, and washed to remove residue from the fabric. Finally the fabric is done.
Photo Credit: KogeiJapan
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The reason why I make these articles is because I am infatuated by the craftsmanship that these Artisans have. Now, everyone wants their stuff instantly, one day shipping, that instant satisfaction. What drives me to make these posts is the beauty behind "mundane" things.
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