Check out these articles
-
Video article 5:06Enjoy a Moment of Healing With the Fantastic Lights of Gifu Paper Lanterns from Gifu Prefecture! The Soft Glow of These Lanterns, Handcrafted by Skilled Artisans, Is Popular All Over the World!
Traditional Crafts- 311 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:24Kyo Sashimono - A Traditional Craft in Kyoto That Has Been Passed Down Since the Heian Period. A Rare Glimpse Into the Making of a Craft That Makes for a Great Souvenir!
Traditional Crafts- 169 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:36A Close Look at the Raden Craftsmen Who Preserve the Traditional Japanese Craft of Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture. Made of Brightly Colored Seashells, They're Truly Works of Art!
Traditional Crafts- 122 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:48It Takes Time and Advanced Skills To Make Edo Sashimono, a Traditional Furniture of Tokyo That Uses 0 Nails! One Woman, Fascinated by the Traditional Techniques of the Edo Period, Passes on the Essence of Edo to the Modern World
Traditional Crafts- 347 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 10:31Tatami - An Indispensable Part of Japanese Style Rooms. Two Tatami Craftsmen Talk About Their Passion and Commitment To the Traditional Product That Has Been Handed Down in Japan Since Ancient Times
Traditional Crafts- 85 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:00Yamagata Casting Is an Essential Part of Japan's Tea Ceremony Culture. A Quick Look at the Traditional Craft of Yamagata City, Yamagata and How It's Made!
Traditional Crafts- 212 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 37:28The Inkan – A Crucial Item for All of the Important Events in Your Life, and an Essential Part of Japanese Culture. In This Article, We'll Hear From the Inkan Craftsmen Who Skillfully Carve the Complicated Designs for Inkan!
Traditional Crafts- 105 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:57Learn About the Spirit of Craftsmanship of Buddhist Altar Lacquerers of Takaoka Butsudan, A Traditional Craft of Takaoka, Toyama! These Beautiful Lacquer Techniques Aren't Mastered Overnight!
Traditional Crafts- 130 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 6:36A Look Inside the World of an Embroiderer Who Revives Memories With His Craftsmanship. A Traditional Japanese Craft Where the Craftsman's Heart and Soul Goes Into Every Single Stitch!
Traditional Crafts- 194 plays
- YouTube
Introducing the Outstanding Craftsmanship of Tokyo Some-Komon! The Delicate Designs of These Kimono and Obi Are Carefully Handmade by Artisans
An Introductory Video on "Tokyo Some-Komon," a Traditional Japanese Craft
This video, titled "手技TEWAZA「東京染小紋」tokyo some komon dyeing/伝統工芸 青山スクエア Japan traditional crafts Aoyama Square," was released by "Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square."
Tokyo Some-Komon, the traditional Japanese craft introduced this time, may be more familiar to those living in Tokyo or the Tokyo metropolitan area.
A Closer Look at Tokyo Some-Komon, a Traditional Japanese Craft
Tokyo Some-Komon is a traditional craft that encompasses a wide range of items, from luxury garments, such as kimono and obi, to everyday items such as furoshiki and folding fans.
Clothes and kimonos made via the outstanding artisanship and carefully hand-dyed not only on pure silk and cotton but also on handmade Japanese paper, have been highly valued as works of art; and many Tokyo Some-Komon craftsmen have been awarded the Order of Culture.
The raw materials used for dyeing include astringent persimmon juice, which has antibacterial and deodorizing properties.
Since each piece is handmade by craftsmen, it cannot be mass-produced.
There are some workshops where you can experience Tokyo Some-Komon, so consider giving these a visit.
"Komon" is a small pattern drawn on the paper stencil which can be seen from 0:26 in the video.
The history of Tokyo Some-Komon dates back to the Muromachi Period (1336-1573) and spread during the Edo Period (1603-1868).
Dyeing craftsmen gathered in Edo (today Tokyo) to compete with their techniques, and because the crafts popularity blossomed in Edo, it was nicknamed Edo Komon.
The Making of Tokyo Some-Komon
[Step 1: Making the Paper Pattern]
The stencil is made of handmade Japanese paper laminated with astringent persimmon.
Ise-katagami (made in Suzuka, Mie) is used for Tokyo Some-Komon.
On the paper pattern, starch is applied to the parts that will not be colored when dyeing.
When the starch is washed off after dyeing is completed, the parts covered with starch will remain white, creating beautiful patterns.
After applying the starch, the pattern is dried.
[Step 2: Colored Paste] (Video: 1:03 ~)
Colored starch is formulated by mixing salt with glutinous rice and rice bran and steaming it, and then kneading the color with dye.
Since the color and finished color of the dye are different, the formulation requires a high level of craftsmanship.
[Step 3: Stenciling] (Video: 2:01 ~)
Colored paste is applied to the fabric with a spatula.
This work is sometimes called "shigoki."
[Step 4: Steaming]
Before the colored paste dries, it is folded into layers and placed in a steaming box to steam it.
From here it is steamed for 15 to 30 minutes while the temperature is gradually raised so that the base color will settle into the material easily.
[Step 5: Washing] (Video: 3:04 ~)
The steamed fabric is then transferred to a water tank and rinsed with groundwater and sawdust to soften the paste.
In the past, many dye artisans in Japan were located along rivers because it was convenient for washing fabrics.
[Step 6: Finishing] (Video: 3:16 ~)
Having been washed with water, the fabric is placed in a spin drier, dried, then finely colored, thus completing the piece.
Summary of Tokyo Some-Komon
It's no exaggeration to say that the main characteristic of Tokyo Some-Komon is the density of the Komon designs.
Seen from a distance, it looks like a solid color, but as you get closer, you can see the intricate patterns, which has led to pieces made with Tokyo Some-Komon being referred to as works of art.
From the Muromachi Period to the Edo Period, Japan had a samurai society, and its culture was simple.
For this reason, it is believed that at first glance, a plain small pattern was preferred rather than the ostentatious patterns found in yukata and Kyoyuzen (silk fabrics made in Kyoto).
Looking closer, the fashionable and luxurious dyeing techniques would have been loved by the people of Edo.
It can be seen in literature and cultural heritages of the Edo period that the culture of Tokyo Some-Komon had become prevalent in formal samurai wear.
Also, Tokyo Some-Komon expanded from samurai to the culture of the common people from the middle of the Edo period (around 1700 to 1800).
Daily necessities brimming with a playful spirit, such as Tokyo Some-Komon kimono and furoshiki, not only for men but also for women's semi-formal wear, have become very popular.
Tokyo Some-Komon was designated as a National Traditional Craft by the former Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry in 1974.
Today, the craftsmanship is used and loved in a wide range of fields such as scarves, lampshades, and traditional handicrafts using handmade Japanese paper.
Please enjoy the video showing Tokyo Some-Komon, a traditional craft of Japan.
【Official Website】Tokyo Some-Komon | Traditional Crafts | Traditional Craft Aoyama Square
https://kougeihin.jp/en/craft/0201/
AccessMap (Google Maps)
-
Video article 13:11Sword Polishing Is a Highly Difficult Type of Craftsmanship for Maintaining Japanese Swords. A Look at the Uncompromising Techniques That Go Into Restoring Japan's Historical Swords
Traditional Crafts- 656 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:55The Beautiful Sound of the Koto: Hear the Entrancing Tones, Born of the Craftsmanship of Master Artisans
Traditional Crafts History- 978 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:04Chasen: Introducing the Characteristics and History of the Takayama Tea Whisk – A 500-Year-Old Utensil Essential for Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony
Traditional Crafts History- 399 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 9:59Enshu Onigawara: Traditional Crafts Said to House the Souls of the Demons Themselves! Only the Most Skilled Craftsmen Can Produce Their Soul Piercing Glares. These Master Artisans in Fukuroi, Shizuoka Share Their Thoughts on Enshu Onigawara
Traditional Crafts- 670 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:32Arita Ware: A Traditional Japanese Craft of Arita, Saga That Was Coveted by European Royalty and Aristocracy in the 17th Century. Older Than Even the World-Famous Meissen!
Traditional Crafts Celebrities History- 223 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:18Beppu Bamboo Crafts: A Look at the History and Characteristics of the Traditional Japanese Craft From Oita Prefecture. Enjoy the Skilled Techniques of These Bamboo Weaving Artisans!
Traditional Crafts- 410 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:47Meet the Craftsman That Has Been Crafting Intricate Bunraku Puppet Heads for 40 Years! This Interview With an Awa Deko Ningyo Puppet Maker Will Make You Fall in Love With Ningyo Joruri!
Traditional Crafts- 429 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:00Yamagata Casting Is an Essential Part of Japan's Tea Ceremony Culture. A Quick Look at the Traditional Craft of Yamagata City, Yamagata and How It's Made!
Traditional Crafts- 212 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 6:41Exploring the World of Ningyo Joruri - Traditional Japanese Puppet Theater. Discover the Amazing Process of Creating These Priceless Works of Art Made by Skilled Puppeteers!
Traditional Crafts Traditional Culture- 341 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:29Suruga Bamboo Sen-suji-zaiku, a traditional handicraft, is a true work of art! Watch a video of the amazing skills of craftsmen in Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, who create delicate and graceful bamboo works!
Traditional Crafts History Life & Business- 479 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:25Learn about Japan's history with "swords" you can encounter at the Tokyo National Museum in Taito-ku, Tokyo! The history of Japan is engraved in each of the approximately 120,000 objects in the collection displayed in Japan's oldest museum.
Traditional Crafts History- 127 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:03Animation of the work process of traditional craft "Iwa Sculpture"! See the works of art and artwork created by craftsmen in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture, the town of wood carving!
Traditional Crafts- 610 plays
- YouTube
Comment