"Did You Know About the Historic Textile Brand 'Ryomura Bijutsu Orimono' That Also Creates Decorative Walls for the Imperial Palace and Kabukiza?"

A Historic Textile Brand＊

Have you heard of "Tatsumura Bijutsu Orimono," a traditional textile brand?

Established in 1894, this long-standing textile shop in Kyoto is a representative of Japan.

It is famous for its beautiful obi designs,

and many people who enjoy kimono feel a special sense of dignity when they wear a "Tatsumura obi."

So, what exactly is textile? It is a fabric made by intertwining threads in a certain pattern (using a loom).

The materials and techniques of the threads differ by region, which is why they are named after their production areas, such as "Nishijin-ori" or "Hakata-ori."

Many of you may have heard of Nishijin and Hakata textiles!

These are common terms you might hear in kimono shops and textile stores.

Tatsumura Bijutsu Orimono Established a New Field of "Art Textiles"＊

Among the many textiles, Tatsumura Bijutsu Orimono is famous for establishing a new field called "art textiles."

Beautiful textiles that resemble artworks.

That is what art textiles are all about.

The first generation, Heizo Tatsumura, was particularly remarkable, and learning about his history is truly astonishing.

He pursued a career in the kimono business at the age of 16 and became independent as a weaver at just 18. In his 30s, he created "Takanami-ori" and "Kōkechi-ori," which are still produced today.

He developed expression techniques and colors that create a three-dimensional appearance on the textile surface, which was a groundbreaking innovation that defied contemporary norms.

It's incredible to think that these textiles were created more than 100 years ago, yet they still look truly beautiful today.

As the techniques he developed were imitated one after another, he came to the conclusion that "knowledge of dyeing and weaving history and the study of ancient textiles are essential for creation" and devoted himself to research on the restoration of ancient textiles.

Ancient textiles refer to fragments of old fabrics that are about 100 years old.

Some of the oldest pieces date back to the Asuka period.

The first generation, Heizo Tatsumura, is known not only for creating textiles but also as a "pioneer of restoration."

He achieved the unprecedented feat of restoring patterns from ancient textiles passed down at Hōryū-ji Temple and Shōsō-in, as well as famous textiles from China.

It seems that he also had a connection with Ryūnosuke Akutagawa, who, after seeing Heizo's works, expressed in a newspaper, "There was an astonishing artistic completion. I had no choice but to bow my head for this artistic completion."

He passed away in 1962, but before that, he accomplished the following:

- Produced a decorative cover fabric for the record of the Emperor Shōwa's enthronement ceremony

- Due to his overseas expansion, the restored fabric from Saionji Temple was used in Christian Dior dress fabrics.

- Received the Japan Art Academy Prize

- Received the Purple Ribbon Medal

- In the Heisei era, created silk scrolls for the "Nausai no Gi" ceremony for Crown Prince and Princess Masako, Prince Akishino, and Princess Kiko

These accomplishments earned him a place as a supplier to the imperial family. He is indeed a great figure who helped build the textile culture.

Currently, the fourth generation is continuing this tradition and spirituality.＊

In the workshop, there is also a rare 100-inch loom capable of weaving textiles up to 2.5 meters wide!

It's the first time I've seen such a large loom.

They use this to create large-sized textiles for interiors of the Imperial Palace, Kabukiza's main stage decorations, Hotel Okura's lobby decor, and the fabric for Gion Matsuri's floats.

Can Also be Worn at Weddings♡

Products from Tatsumura Bijutsu Orimono are available at select kimono shops.

If you can find them at costume stores or salons for weddings or pre-wedding photos, you can actually rent and wear them!＊

As far as I know, shops like "ZEN," a kimono rental specialty store in Kyoto, and Bridal Hiro seem to carry them.

This color-uchikake is said to cost around 10 million yen if purchased...!

Just thinking about wearing such an expensive and precious textile gives me a proud and joyful feeling.

I'd Like to See the Actual Products＊

Now that I understand the brand of Tatsumura Bijutsu Orimono, I'm curious about the actual products available.

First and foremost, of course, the obi. These are some of the well-known patterns of "Tatsumura obi."

www.tatsumura.co.jp

There is an online shop, and when I checked the price range, some were available for around 130,000 yen, while others were close to 1 million yen.

It seems the price range is quite broad.

So cute♡

Just having one obi can be used every time I wear a kimono for weddings or other events, making me want one.

They might even be used at my child's coming-of-age ceremony someday.

There are also other designs＊

Just looking at them is fun, so be sure to check them out.

➡ View the obi collection

In addition, they also sell various Japanese goods and accessories.

A sukiya bag, which can hold tabi and small accessories.

Mini drawstring bag＊

A baggage tag in collaboration with JAL＊

There are also money envelopes.

They would look elegant when used for celebrations and funerals.

If I create a Japanese-style room in my home, I would love to decorate it with an art panel from Tatsumura Bijutsu Orimono.＊

➡ View the product list

The More You Know, the More Attractive It Becomes＊

Tatsumura Bijutsu Orimono, a supplier to the imperial family, has continued to contribute to the development of Japan's textile culture.

It seems they have also created the fabric for train seats...! Here is a seat fabric for the Marunouchi Line 2000 series.

It's surprising to think that I might have unknowingly sat on Tatsumura's weave...!?

But it shows just how widely their textiles are used in various products, as well as in decorations for cultural and historical facilities and buildings, which only adds to their impressiveness.

The Tatsumura Bijutsu Orimono showroom is located in Kyoto, where you can visit and see the products for yourself. Japanese small goods can also be purchased there.

After learning about this history, visiting the showroom would feel like a social studies field trip...!

I hope to visit someday!♡

➡ Here is the online shop