Selvedge: Japan Blue
My favorite magazine is here… it’s Selvedge time again, folks! This issue is called Japan Blue, and as always the images and perspective take you on an unexpected journey into things you thought you knew and will now see in a whole new light…
Image, Don Tuttle, Takeda Family Colletion, Arimatsu, Japan.
[Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock] delves into Japanese textile traditions and contemporary artists who are deeply influenced by traditional techniques and materials, like indigo, shibori, sashiko, and boro. It’s wonderful to learn about the history behind some of these techniques, many of which began out of necessity, but grew into true art forms.
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Image by Kapital.
One article shines a light on the spiritual roots of Japanese denim, and how certain brands are developing a distinctly Japanese style of jeans and denim culture. Toshikiyo Hirata, a leader in the industry, says he gets “inspired by old things” and explains how a sense of mottainai influence the style of Japanese denim. Mottainai is a wonderful term that means “taking good care of things with respect, making it last longer, not wasting, and re-appreciating it.”
This issue also explores the interesting connection between Toyota cars and the history of power looms. The company is named after Sakichi Toyoda, who invented the world’s first fully automatic loom in 1903 and eventually created Toyoda Automatic Loom Works. Due to Toyoda’s successful engineering, the company was later encouraged by the Japanese government to develop automobile production… and the rest is history. After I read the article, I had to run around and tell everyone about it!
As someone who has recently begun collecting and appreciating various scissors (old, new, artsy, practical… I want them all!), I was intrigued by an article detailing a London-based exhibit called The Secret Life of Scissors, on display at The Fashion and Textile Museum.
Image and story, Rowland Ricketts & Mr. Sato.
There’s also a fascinating look into a traditional method of indigo farming, which includes a 100 day composting process.
Image, Yuriko Takagi, for the brand Porter Classic.
As always, you’ll be inspired by the artists and designers featured in Selvedge. This issue includes articles on Japanese artists like Naomi Kobayashi, Ryoko Haraguchi, and Takaaki Ishi, who effortlessly blend contemporary and historic techniques.
Ready to visit Japan yet? We certainly are! The magazine even includes a helpful list of textile-related museums, shops, and galleries to visit when you’re there. Who wants to go with me?
Image, Everett Kennedy, Corbis.
This is just a taste of what lies within the pages of Selvedge Issue 81: Japan Blue. Pick up your copy, pour a cup of tea, and enjoy the journey…
