[Budo Karakusa-mon Nishiki (Brocade with Grapevine Arabesques)]
The original of this reproduction is a weft-patterned brocade in twill weave, with a design in yellow on a purple ground.
The pattern consists of a flower with four double-petals and points in the center as a main motif, surrounded in an octagonal form with vine arabesques with leaves, grapes and scrolls in a symmetrical arrangement. The curve of the arabesques is exquisite and the composition is well-balanced, though somewhat complicated, showing the high level of the graphical presentation of the time.
Undoubtedly, it is the most graceful masterpiece among the large number of fabrics of the similar design reserved in the Shosoin - the wooden storehouse at Todaiji temple, Nara. housing several thousand precious ornamental and fine art objects from the 8th century, many of which were donated by Empress Komyo, consert of Emperor Shomu (701-756).
[Heizo TATSUMURA] 1876~1962
Heizo was born in Osaka in 1876. Born at a wealthy merchant house, he was given to good education, art and literature. Unfortunately his parent’s business went bankrupt when he was 16 years old, then he moved to Nishijin, Kyoto and started to handle Nishijin brocade. Heizo founded TATSUMURA TEXTILE Co. in Kyoto in 1906. He produced artistic brocade as well as studying and reconstruction of ancient textiles.