Fukuoka prefecture｜ Kurume kasuri
We believe that traditional handicrafts are the beauty of Japan and should not be lost, and HANAO SHOSE JAPAN is a project that brings the traditions of textiles and dyeing to the attention of many people and provides an opportunity for each viewer to develop an interest in the local handicrafts associated with them. Here we present textiles and dyed goods from each of Japan's 47 prefectures.
Fukuoka prefecture (Kyushu area) ｜ Kurume kasuri (Kurume splashed pattern) ―First manuscript fee, Dazai's selection of Kurume Kasuri―
“Kurume Kasuri" is a textile that originated in Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture, and was created by a 12-year-old girl named Den Inoue.
In the past, each family wove the fabric by hand, and plain fabrics were the norm for practical everyday wear. However, a young girl was inspired by the idea of unraveling an old white, stained garment and accidentally created a way to make a Kasuri pattern, and the range of patterns has continued to expand.
Kurume Kasuri is an indigo-colored fabric with a beautiful white pattern. By first dyeing the threads and then weaving them, subtle shifts occur, creating a unique blurred pattern.
The process of dyeing the threads and weaving the cloth is very time consuming. The process of matching the warp and weft threads in the weaving process is particularly difficult and requires a high level of skill on the part of the craftsman.
Kurume Kasuri is said to have been bought by Osamu Dazai for his first manuscript fee. This cotton fabric is cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and its ease of use and durability make it ideal for working clothes in any season.
Kurume Kasuri is one of the three most popular kasuri in Japan, along with Bingo-gasuri and Iyo-gasuri. The intricate and delicate patterns and simple indigo colors are said to become more beautiful the longer they are used, making Kurume Kasuri a long-time favorite cotton kasuri.
Click here to read an interview with Shimogawa Orimono, the maker of Kurume Kasuri.
