Collection: YOSHINO PLAID

Content: Cotton

Origin: Japan

About 400 years ago, when Samurais were running Japan. There was a beautiful and intelligent courtesan in Kyoto called Yoshino-Tayu. This Yoshino Plaid is named after this Yoshino-Tayu because it was loved by her, or in another theory, her marriage partner was wearing it. Yoshino plaid was loved by cultural figures at that time. At KUON, Sashiko-ori is used to express this unique pattern. 

Yoshino plaid was only possible to make in Miwa atelier in Fukushima prefecture. However with support from Mr. Oohazama in Miwa atelier, we have improved to make it possible to weave them in other ateliers. Inheriting the professional technique and spreading is about deigning new system. We are trying for sustainable designing.
It is difficult to express Sashiko weaving by current shuttle weaving machines, but we made it possible by decreasing the speed as low as hand weaving. So it takes a lot of time to produce 1 roll.
By using thick thread in Sashiko part, the  fabric has three-dimensional, uneven surface.

*Courteasan (Oiran) is a type of Yujo (prostitute), however, they are distinguished from ordinary Yujo in that they are first and foremost. A woman had to be educated in a rage of skills like sado (Japanese tea ceremony) and Ikebana (flower arranging). The courtesans’ prestige was based on their beauty, character and education etc. Tayu is the highest rank of courtesan.