Kurume Kasuri is woven on retro belt-driven power looms from the Showa era, with twenty looms operated by a single motor. Founded in 1948, this weaving mill produces one of Japan's most iconic yarn-dyed textiles. Known for its soft, hand-woven-like texture, Kurume Kasuri requires more than thirty manual processes and two to four months to complete. It is an ideal fabric for those seeking to create pieces rooted in traditional Japanese craftsmanship.This fabric is woven using *yokogasuri*, a technique in which the pattern is created by tying and dyeing the weft yarns. The weft is wound onto a wooden bobbin called a"tong," carefully aligned to match the intended design, and then woven on a specialized power loom. The combination of tying techniques, dedicated machinery, and the craftsmanship of skilled artisans makes Kurume Kasuri one of the world's finest ikat traditions - preserved today only in this region of Japan.The hemp leaf motif (*asanoha*) symbolizes vitality and strong growth, inspired by the fast-growing and straight-rising nature of hemp. Historically used on baby clothing as a protective symbol, the pattern is believed to ward off evil. In the world of kabuki, it has long been associated with femininity, making it a motif linked to beauty and empowerment.Warp yarn: 40/2 Weft yarn: 20/1 Fabric thickness: standard Chemical dye 100% Cotton 100% Width: approx. 37 cm Finished with hot-water washing and sun drying (pre-shrunk by approx. 10%, ready to cut and sew) Colors: Dark navy, black
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