Traditional Crafts

Kurume Kasuri Woven and Dyed FabricDyed fabrics

Kurume Kasuri, a type of woven cotton fabric dyed with indigo, is produced on the outskirts of Kurume City in Fukuoka Prefecture. Patterns are created by binding cotton threads with hemp and dyeing them, and various designs can be made by crisscross weaving different colored threads together. This style of weaving was conceived in the early 19th century by a girl called Den Inoue, and the special techniques that she painstakingly developed continue to be loved by people throughout Japan as a quintessential example of Japanese dyed patterns. Involving over 30 intricate processes, including formulating an initial design, binding, dyeing and weaving, Kurume Kasuri's appeal lies in its profound sense of quality.

Ever-evolving Kurume Kasuri woven and dyed fabric

Kurume Kasuri textiles have been actively promoted overseas, including at an international trade fair in Paris, France. Kurume Kasuri items of clothing created with the involvement of leading clothing designers have been received favorably by people around the world, due in part to a recent surge of interest in Japanese culture.

Key dyeing processes that determine the product's quality - Tekukuri (tying by hand)

Approximately 30 processes are involved in the creation of Kurume Kasuri. One particularly important among these is a process where the creator determines what sections to dye first. The number of warp and weft yarns is decided according to the pattern and design. Next, sample threads are created based on this design, and the sections that are to be left undyed are tied to the threads using hemp rope according to the pattern.