top of page
KUKANZAI
Elements of Atmosphere
TRADITIONAL CRAFTS
As part of the KUKANZAI brand, we are proud to present a series of three modules created using the traditional arts and crafts of the Tokai region: Ise katagami , Kumiko zaiku,and Mino washi.
Ise-Katagami
It is used to dye patterns and designs on Yuzen and Edo komon kimono fabrics. It has a long history, dating back more than 1,000 years. Ise katagami began in the Shirako district of Mie Prefecture (now Suzuka City) and eventually became the sole producer of dyed katagami for the entire country. The demand for Ise katagami rose dramatically as merchants in the Edo period became able to conduct stable business. The demand for Ise katagami increased dramatically as merchants in the Edo period became more stable in their business. Ise katagami is made from kataji-gami , which is a long process of laminating three sheets of Japanese paper with persimmon tannin, and then using a number of processes to produce the strong, elastic, and water repellent paper necessary for katagami dyeing. Ise katagami is engraved using four different engraving techniques: tsuki-bori , kiri-bori , dougu-bori , and hiki-bori . The engraver becomes a professional of one technique and masters each technique .In this way, kimono anddyeing in Japan have developed through the perseverance and diligence of Ise katagami and the highly skilled dyers throughout the country who master these techniques. However, with the development of printing techniques in recent years, the demand for Ise katagami has been decreasing, and we are facing problems such as the aging ofengravers and a lack of successors. On the other hand, the Arts and Crafts department in the U.K. is also facing a shortage of successors. On the other hand, the elaborate and gorgeous patterns have brought warmth and softness that can only be expressed by human hands, as well as infinite variations, and have been attracting increasing attention from abroad in recent years.
Kumiko-Zaiku
Kumiko is a technique of assembling thin wooden planks in a geometric pattern without using nails. It is a technique of assembling thin wooden planks into geometric patterns without using nails. Kumiko was created about 1,400 years ago during the Asuka period (710 794), and is said to be the world's oldest surviving wooden structure. Horyuji Temple, the world's oldest surviving wooden structure, was built about 1,400 years ago during the Asuka Period.
The demand for decorative braided wood fittings spread during the Heian period (DC 794 1192) and later, and by the Muromachi period (1333 1573), the tea ceremony and flower arrangement spread, and the Shoin style of living was born, The technique of Kumiko work also progressed. The technique of Kumiko zaiku in Nagano Prefecture uses Kiso Hinoki, a 250 to 300 year old natural cypress tree grown in the Kiso Valley. Kiso Hinoki, a 250 to 300 year old natural cypress grown in the Kiso valley. The Kiso cypress from the Kiso valley, where winters are severe,has a beautiful grain with tight annual rings. It takes three times as long to reach the same thickness as ordinary cypress. Horyu ji Temple is also made of cypress, which has been used to support the temple for over 1,300 years.It is also a very durable wood that supports Horyuji Temple for more than 1,300 years. It also gives the craftsmanship a graceful appearance.
The demand for decorative braided wood fittings spread during the Heian period (DC 794 1192) and later, and by the Muromachi period (1333 1573), the tea ceremony and flower arrangement spread, and the Shoin style of living was born, The technique of Kumiko work also progressed. The technique of Kumiko zaiku in Nagano Prefecture uses Kiso Hinoki, a 250 to 300 year old natural cypress tree grown in the Kiso Valley. Kiso Hinoki, a 250 to 300 year old natural cypress grown in the Kiso valley. The Kiso cypress from the Kiso valley, where winters are severe,has a beautiful grain with tight annual rings. It takes three times as long to reach the same thickness as ordinary cypress. Horyu ji Temple is also made of cypress, which has been used to support the temple for over 1,300 years.It is also a very durable wood that supports Horyuji Temple for more than 1,300 years. It also gives the craftsmanship a graceful appearance.
Mino-Washi
Among Japanese papers, “Mino Washi” is thin, uniform, and strong. Shoji paper, called shoin gami , was designated as an official paper by the Edo shogunate. Its history is old, and 1300 years ago, it was used for the oldest current family register paper remaining in Shosoin Honmino paper, the highest grade of Mino washi, is a nationally designated Important Intangible Cultural Property and a UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is called the main stream of Nagashizuki gami , in which the fibers are spread evenly by moving the reed girders horizontally and vertically, and paper is made with no difference in strength depending on the direction. Washi made from Nasu Kozo paper, which has undergone a number of processes, is then dried outdoors on a single board in the sun for the final process, where it is exposed to ultraviolet rays and becomes " Honmino paper," which has a whiter color. On the other hand, “ Rakusui gami " is made by applying a metal mold to the surface of the soft paper after it is made and applying a pattern to it. It is thin, uniform, strong, and has both beauty and design through light. The patterns include classical patterns such as arabesque, hemp leaf, and cloisonne, as well as modern geometric patterns, and various variations can be created by changing the thickness of the paper, the time it takes to drop the water, and the water pressure.
Isekatagami
Kumiko-Zaiku
Mino-Washi
bottom of page