hand woven silk "Zazanzaori" is
"Silk "Silk is made from the same protein as the skin, so it
is gentle on the skin. Zazanza-ori is characterized by the use of "Tamaito,"
a silk thread that cannot be mass-produced because it has intricately entwined
knots.
It has the unique soft sheen and luster of silk, and the uneven thickness
of the thread itself gives it a unique texture and supple feel.
"Hand-dyeing" Dyeing is done by hand, using traditional Japanese
plant dyes such as madder and Yamato, and carefully spinning the threads
in a cauldron. We also use some chemical dyes for vivid colors.
"Hand weaving" Weaving with traditional hand looms takes time
and effort, but it has a warm and fluffy finish.
Exhibition in Tokyo
Opening period: December 2nd (Friday) to December 4th (Sunday), 2022 11:00-19:00
(until 17:00 on the last day)
Jingu-mae Gallery: 4-6-11-1F Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Exhibition in Hamamatsu
Period: Friday, November 25, 2022 to Sunday, November 28, 11:00-17:00
Venue: Gallery Nabeya, 325-8 Tamachi, Naka-ku, Hamamatsu City
"Zazanza" and "Zazanza-Ori" are registered
trademarks of Akaneya.
Intangible Cultural Asset of Shizuoka Prefecture
Local Handicraft Designated by Shizuoka Prefecture
Hand-woven silk Zazanza-Ori
zazanza-ori
Zazanza-Ori is a silk created by Minoru Hiramatsu, the founder of Akaneya.
He named it after a famous old pine tree in Hamamatsu, "Zazanza no
matsu" (a pine tree of Zazanza) because it preserved its eternal green
without ever being affected by the breezes coming from the ocean.
Due to the use of knotted cultivated cocoon silk yarn and hand spun silk yarn, the thickness of Zazanza-Ori is not uniform over its area, with the consequent unevenness of the textile, displaying one of the chief characteristics of "Zazanza-Ori". Thus, the life of Zazanza-Ori may be said to depend upon its yarn.
The dyeing method is an elaborate "Kusaki-zome" (plant dyes) which requires a great deal of time and technique, thereby creating traditional Japanese colors associated with serenity and depth.
Zazanza-Ori has been hand-woven with hand looms since ancient times. No modern tools have ever been used at all. This gives the textile a durable life and delicate texture as well as a natural gloss combined with the unique beauty of silk.
