Kyoto Art Panel / Silence

This is an art panel using the Kyo Yuzen technique.
This work challenged me to see if I could express the mysterious atmosphere of the white phoenix by using shades of white for most of the coloring, and to see how much expression I could achieve with white. I drew a pair of tails in front of the phoenix and drew it as if the phoenix were behind it, and composed the work in such a way as to suggest depth and pairing. Why don't you get this item for celebratory gifts for those around you or for your store?

Width：30cm
Height：114.5cm
Depth：2.5cm
Weight：1,200g

Silk：Textile
Wood：Frame

SOMEKOBO MASASHIGE

"If you believe in your strengths and make use of them, a path will open up for you"

Because the studio where I apprenticed was an integrated kimono workshop, I could handle the entire kimono production process on my own. Taking advantage of this strength, I began to sell original products by designing and coloring them on my own. I used the same techniques, but modernized classic designs and used two different transparent fabrics to create a sense of perspective. By taking advantage of the fact that I can handle the entire process, I was able to open the way for me to take on new challenges without being limited to only kimonos.

ARTISAN STORY

Masashige Uenaka / Somekobo Masashige
A craftsman who has been making kyo-yuzen in Kyoto since 1991, from design to dyeing. I have loved drawing pictures since I can remember and studied a wide variety of drawings. Since I do everything from designing to finishing by myself, I am good at expressing customers' "thoughts" in a concrete manner.

ACHIEVEMENTS

・Desinated as a traditional craftsman of Kyo-Mono in 2013

KYO YUZEN / KYOTO SILK DYEING

About 340 years ago / 1680s / Edo Period (1603–1868)

Kyo Yuzen took a decisive form in Kyoto’s Genroku era, when designs by the celebrated fan painter Miyazaki Yuzensai were applied to kimono. Fine paste-resist lines allowed many colors to be painted next to one another like a picture, establishing hand-painted Yuzen. In the Meiji period, stencil-based Yuzen greatly expanded production.

In Japan, Kyo Yuzen represents formal celebratory kimono worn for coming-of-age ceremonies, weddings and other important occasions. Brilliant dyeing may be combined with gold and embroidery, while the same techniques now appear on bags, scarves and interiors.

A single kimono can pass through more than twenty stages—design, underdrawing, resist application, coloring, steaming, washing, gold decoration and more. Different specialists often handle each stage, making Kyo Yuzen less the product of one maker than a collaborative artwork created by Kyoto’s craft network.

Individual Differences

As each piece is individually handcrafted, slight variations in color, pattern, shape, and texture may occur. These subtle differences are a natural characteristic of handcrafted works, making each piece truly unique. We hope you will enjoy these individual variations as part of the beauty and character of Japanese craftsmanship.

Production Time

If an item is not currently in stock, it may be made to order by the artisan. As each piece is carefully handcrafted, production may take several months depending on the item and the artisan's schedule. We appreciate your patience and understanding.