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Takashima Orimono Celebrates 110 Years with New Designs

In honor of its 110th anniversary, Takashima Orimono, based in Kyoto, will host a series of exciting new product unveilings at four different locations across Japan. Kicking off on September 22 in Tokyo, the event will also feature the award ceremony for the inaugural Takashima Orimono Design Contest.

Celebrating Creativity and Tradition

The first Takashima Orimono Design Contest attracted submissions from 334 talented individuals, showcasing their unique interpretations of traditional textile artistry. The awards ceremony will honor the best works, highlighting the ongoing innovation within this century-old company.

Grand Prix Winner: "Drowsy Spring"

The Grand Prix winner, Saki Ichijo, created a stunning piece titled "Drowsy Spring." This design consists of leaves and flowers that softly shimmer in rainbow hues, capturing the serene arrival of spring as cherry blossoms create ripples on still waters. A silver butterfly adds an extra touch of elegance to the work, making it a standout piece.

New Product Unveiling: The Art of Kimono

Takashima Orimono will present several new products that highlight the fusion of traditional techniques and contemporary sensibilities. The following items will be unveiled:

• - Togidashi Raden: This technique involves painting on washi paper with resin, followed by layering with lacquer, dyes, and gold/silver leaf, resulting in distinctly unique items due to the hand-finishing process.
• - Bronze Leaf Obi: Inspired by Roman glass artifacts from the 1st century BC to the 4th century AD, this obi is woven to mirror the beautiful transparency of Roman glass, creating a luxurious appearance.
• - Kyō Nishiki Fabric: As one of the oldest forms of Nishiki textile, Kyō Nishiki uses multiple colors to weave intricate patterns that reflect its long-standing heritage.

Kimono Glass Collection Unveiling

Alongside the obi unveiling, the highly anticipated Kimono Glass series will also be showcased. This collection has gained acclaim year after year, fusing traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern design sensibilities.

Event Details

The venues for the unveiling are as follows:

• - Tokyo Venue:

- Dates: September 22 (Monday) to September 24 (Wednesday)
- Location: UltraSuperNew Gallery, Tokyo
- Access: 9-minute walk from JR Harajuku Station

• - Kyoto Venue:

- Dates: November 3 (Monday, National Holiday) to November 5 (Wednesday)
- Location: Takashima Orimono Hyōdai Orisomekan
- Access: 25-minute drive from Kyoto Station

• - Hiroshima Venue:

- Dates: December 20 (Saturday) to December 22 (Monday)
- Location: Gojinsha Wendy Hito Machi Plaza, North Building, 4th Floor Gallery
- Access: 3-minute walk from Fukadamachi Streetcar Station

• - Fukuoka Venue:

- Dates: January 23 (Friday) to January 25 (Sunday)
- Location: To Be Announced

All venues will be open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and admission is free.

About Takashima Orimono

Founded in 1915 in the Nishijin area, Takashima Orimono has a rich legacy in textile making, particularly in obi manufacturing. With a commitment to preserving the traditional craftsmanship while integrating modern aesthetics, Takashima Orimono continues to create beautiful textiles that enhance the wearer's experience. This blend of history and innovation marks the company's dedication to its art, and the upcoming events are a testament to its legacy and future vision.