Hand-spun Circle Noshimon Noren

￥140,600

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Size: L128 cm x W89.5cm
Weight: 290g

Cotton, indigo dye

Indigo Dye, Hand-spun, Hand-woven

Studio: Kobo Yumihama
Origin: Sakaiminato, Tottori

The noren is a traditional Japanese divider hung between rooms or at the entrance of a building. This sophisticated noren, crafted by Kobo Yumihama, is one of many captivating creations from a studio with a long and significant history, showcasing unparalleled elegance, simplicity, and texture. One of its most remarkable qualities is how it achieves a perfect balance between the precision of exceptional craftsmanship and the organic fluctuations produced by the kasuri (ikat) technique. I still vividly remember the unique sensation of experiencing both absolute perfection and organic imperfection simultaneously when I first encountered this noren. The simple yet powerful circular design represents noshi, a ceremonial symbol of good luck, making this noren not only exceptionally beautiful but also an auspicious item, suited for a wide range of spaces, from traditional, rustic homes to more minimalist, contemporary settings.

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.

Indigo Dyeing

伯州綿

Hakushu Cotton

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.