Yamanitori
山ニ鳥
Embroidery Born from the Rhythms of Life
The story of Yamanitori began in 2008 when the artist first discovered Kogin-zashi (traditional Japanese counted-thread embroidery) through a book. After years of self-taught practice and opening a handmade craft shop in Tottori City in 2012, her path took a natural turn. In 2018, with the birth of her child, she closed her physical shop to focus on her family, continuing her creative journey under the name "Yamanitori"—an embroidery artist whose work breathes in the small, quiet gaps of daily life.
The name "Yamanitori" is derived from the kanji character Shima (嶋), which is part of her maiden name. This character is composed of the radicals for "mountain" (山) and "bird" (鳥). Simply charmed by the visual structure and the story behind how the character is formed, she chose "Yamanitori" as the name for her creative identity.
Artistry in the "In-Between" Moments
Unlike studios defined by specialized equipment or rigid schedules, the Yamanitori "atelier" is the home itself. The crackle of a television or the laughter of children often forms the backdrop to her work. For the artist, embroidery is an expression that fits seamlessly into the "spaces" of motherhood.
"My life centers on my family," she explains. "Embroidering in the brief moments between chores and childcare has become a style that feels honest and sustainable." This organic rhythm ensures that every stitch is infused with the genuine energy of a lived-in life.
The Depth of a Single Color
While her roots lie in the structured patterns of Kogin-zashi, she eventually transitioned to freehand embroidery to better express her individuality. Her motifs are ever-changing, often inspired by the playful perspective of her children.
A hallmark of her work is an incredible depth of color achieved through layering. To create a single black cat, for example, she may use five or six different shades of black thread, building up a three-dimensional texture so dense that a needle can barely pass through the fabric. This devotion to texture ensures that even the simplest subject has a soulful, tactile presence.
Community and Connection in Tottori
In Tottori, the distance between the maker and the community is naturally close. Hearing direct thoughts from those who encounter her work is a quiet but vital part of her process—a chance to pause and reflect on her own handiwork.
This desire for connection led her to organize local gatherings, such as the "Tottori Spring Bread Market." Rather than formal events, she sees these as simple spaces where both visitors and vendors can enjoy a shared moment of ease.
One-of-a-Kind Pieces
Every piece from Yamanitori is unique. Because they are stitched by hand within the shifting rhythms of daily life, no two items ever share the exact same expression.
"Even if I am asked to make the same thing twice, I cannot," she says.
For the artist, the joy lies in someone finding that one special piece that resonates with them. Her work is an invitation to discover a truly individual companion—one that carries the honest, unhurried pace of the life from which it was born.
