When you want to feel the history and significance of kasuri (絣) in Tottori Prefecture, one may say there’s no better place than Kobo Yumihama. It is a studio founded by late Etsuko Shimada (1929-2023) and late Taihei Shimada, a legendary figure who have rediscovered and promoted Yumihama Kasuri. Having lived in Tokyo for more than 10 years, they had a strong tie with Mingei Movement and with Shoya Yoshida in Tottori. Visiting the studio, the affinity is quite visible in simple, yet strong, restrained aesthetic.

Currently run by Hirofumi Tanaka, Shimada’s son-in-law, the studio produces stunning kasuri works, including kimono, noren, and smaller items. Along with their skill in weaving, their attention to details and commitment is apparent in their process and material. They have their own indigo-dyeing equipment in their studio, which is rather rare as majority of kasuri studios outsource indigo-dyeing process to specialised dyeing studio, and they grow indigenous Hakushu cotton at the backyard, which is used for some of their products.

Recently, this studio of high significance has made an important step forward to the future, as Seisuke Ikeda, grandson of Etsuko Shimada and Taihei Shimada has newly joined the studio. If you’re interested in kasuri or even Tottori’s craft in general, this studio will be a must-follow, about how they will blend their tradition, established skills, with contemporary elements in years to come.