[Sakiori]
A type of hand-woven textile made of shredded kimono and other recycled garments (silk, cotton, etc.). Thick and colorful, it is often used for obi, bags, and rugs.
Sakiori originated from the Tohoku (northeastern) region of Japan around the middle of the Edo period. Known for its warmth and durability, it became a popular alternative to cotton (which, at the time, was too rare and expensive for common townspeople).
[Kawashima Selkon]
A Nishijin brocade store of long standing since 1843.
In 1843, the 1st Kawashima Jinbē established it.
In 1879, Benjirō succeeded the 2nd Jinbē, the 2nd head of the family.
In 1888, Benjirō manufactured ornamental textiles in the room of the Meiji Palace. He turned out to be the first artisan of ornamental textiles in the country. Thus, he became the first purveyor for a palace room in the country.
In 1910, the 2nd Jinbē died. The 3rd Kawashima Jinbē succeeded the head of the family.
In 1938, he reformed the store to a corporate organization, and established “Kawashima Orimono Jinbē Inc. Store”.
The next year he changed the store’s name to “Kawashima Orimonosyo Inc.”.
In 1957, he changed it to “Kawashima Orimono Inc.”.
* ”orimono” means “textile” or “fabric”.
In 1974, Jinbē producted ornamental textlies within the room of Akasaka Palace. Jinbē received a praise from the Prime Minister at that time.
In 1996, Jinbē took part in a restored article of the Shosoin treasures, “Ashiginu Itten”.
In 2005, he supplied one of his works, “Reika” (rei = beautiful or elegant, ka = flower), which is a type of Tuzureori wall pictures at the dinner room of Kyoto Guest House.