Kimono and obi sashes often feature beautiful traditional patterns.
From ancient times, these patterns have embodied wishes for longevity, prosperity, and enduring happiness for generations to come.
Now, there is a new pattern that carries the same "wishes" as those of old: the "Uchu-sora-" (Space) pattern.
The world is constantly burdened with myriad issues such as environmental problems, conflicts, wars, and poverty.
If humanity does not collectively address these global challenges, there will be no future for us.
With the wish for a world where everyone can live securely and richly, we have incorporated the universal theme of "peace" into the "Uchu-sora-" pattern, making it a design for kimonos and obi sashes.
The "Uchu-sora-" pattern was born four years ago.
It was designed by KIMONO Terrasse and painted using a technique called "Shichisaizome" (seven-color dyeing).
Shichisaizome is a special technique developed by Takeda Senko Co., Ltd. in Nagoya City.
This year, their new Shichisaizome work received the "Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award (Grand Prize)" at the 70th National Dyeing Competition.
Kazuya Takeda, a traditional craftsman from Takeda Senko Co., Ltd., which has won numerous awards to date, dyes each piece with great care and passion.
Kazuya's father, the previous generation, devised "Shichisaizome" as a unique technique by combining traditional dyeing methods with innovative technology. Kazuya inherited this technique, adding new sensibilities and elevating it to the point of winning the Grand Prize at the dyeing competition.
The "Uchu-sora-" pattern, created by the same hands, is beautifully depicted on kimonos and obi sashes made from silk denim fabric.
Only gold and silver are used to represent the stars and the Milky Way.
Silk denim fabric is an innovative material woven from silk and cotton.
It is a hybrid fabric that combines the durability of traditional denim with the suppleness of silk.
Both the silk denim fabric and the gold/silver pigments of "Shichisaizome" are water-resistant, resulting in beautiful kimonos and obi sashes that can be hand-washed at home.
We hope that this "Uchu-sora-" pattern will become a traditional design in a hundred years, and that "Shichisaizome" will continue to adorn kimonos and obi sashes as a traditional craft for a long time to come.
