【Ryukyu Kasuri】OKINAWA STRUCTURE vol.2 The process and technique of Ikat textile of Okinawa, Japan
* Preview version click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UP8VAMrPTQU
(Short image movie of the kasuri technique, without narration and subtitles)
* Japanese version (日本語版): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PK4lnJj5bXg
●About this movie
This movie was made by the Okinawa General Bureau, Cabinet Office, as part of the Regional Collective Trademark case study project. Our aim is to rediscover the value and beauty of Ryukyu Kasuri, a traditional ikat textile of Okinawa, and contribute to the succession of its authentic craftsmanship by protecting the design and brand of Ryukyu Kasuri legally and institutionally.
0:00-6:15 Preview of how Ryukyu Kasuri is made
6:15~40:47 The process and technique of Ryukyu Kasuri (with narration and subtitles ）
●About Ryukyu Kasuri
Kasuri is a Japanese term for “ikat”, which is a weaving technique said to have originated in India. It is a tie-dye technique in which patterns are created by tying the yarn before the dye, and the remaining white parts construct the pattern when it is weaved. The technique reached Okinawa from 14C-15C, during the trading with Southeast Asia and China in Ryukyu Kingdome era, and became the roots of the kasuri textiles of mainland Japan such as Kurume Kasuri and Satsuma kasuri in the 18C-19C.
In other kasuri production ares in Japan, machines were introduced for the tying and weaving process, but in Okinawa, it is still produced in the traditional technique, making them the largest production area of hand-tied and hand-woven kasuri (ikat) textile in Japan. Also, the pattern design of Ryukyu Kasuri has always benn based on the royal design book called “miezu”, and they still are the basis of the designs today. “Miezu” designs are derived from the nature, animals and everyday tools of Okinawa, expressing its unique flavor of culture and history.
●About “OKINAWA STRUCTURE”
Feeling the Spirituality and History
of the People of Okinawa on the Ground
Okinawa is an island full of long-lasting traditional crafts and local industries.
The spirituality and culture of the people is condensed in their skills and lives.
This project aims to show the manufacturing process which is usually closed,
to let people know the reality of the makers of such crafts and industries,
and to ensure the authentic value of their work and fostering trust for their skills.
●Notices on copyright
Copyrights of this movie belongs to the Okinawa General Bureau, Cabinet Office. If you are thinking of using this video for purposes other than private viewing, such as public viewing or other secondary usage, please note you must obtain permission beforehand.
Okinawa General Bureau, Cabinet Office：http://www.ogb.go.jp/keisan/index.html
UNAGINO NEDOKO Co., Ltd. (Producer)：http://unagino-nedoko.net / [email protected]
● Production
Okinawa General Bureau, Cabinet Office: http://www.ogb.go.jp/keisan/index.html
UNAGINO NEDOKO CO., LTD: http://www.ogb.go.jp/keisan/index.html
Qualia Pictures: http://www.qualiapictures.net/
● Special thanks to
Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum：http://www.museums.pref.okinawa.jp/index.jsp
Haebaru Cultural Center：http://bit.ly/2nnVDDr
Ryukyu Kasuri Business Cooperative：http://ryukyukasuri.com
Oshiro Koshiro Kobo
Marumasa Orimono Kobo
Ryukyu Indigo Manufacturer：http://www.ryuukyuuai.sakura.ne.jp
Yunoshi-ya Oshiro