■ A collaboration to pass on the traditional techniques of "Sekishu Washi," a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage , and the global environment to the next generation.

The history of Sekishu washi dates back about 1,300 years. According to the "Kamisuki Juho-ki" (Paper Craftsmanship Record), published in 1798, "Kakinomoto no Hitomaro was the guardian of Iwami Province and taught the people how to make paper." To this day, Sekishu washi has been made and passed down in the Iwami region of western Shimane Prefecture.

Compared to other production areas, Sekishu washi paper is made from longer fibers of the mulberry tree, which makes it extremely strong and durable, making it suitable for preserving ancient documents and valuable materials. Taking advantage of these characteristics, it is used not only for writing paper and letter paper, but also for interior decoration such as sliding door paper and lighting fixtures, and its versatility is one of its attractions.

The traditional hand-made techniques are still used in the production of Sekishu washi paper, which was designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan in 1969 and registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009. This culture, which has a history of about 1,300 years, is still being passed down by young craftsmen.

At "Kamifuori Yamauchi," dyeing and weaving products are made using this Sekishu washi paper. In this workshop, the paper is cut into thin strips with a cutter, then moistened with a spray bottle, kneaded on a block, and twisted on a spinning wheel to make paper thread, using a traditional technique that is rare even nationwide.

■ We created coasters with the motif of " Iwami Kagura, " a dance popular in the Iwami region.

In the midst of this, a collaboration was realized between "TSUMUGI," a project that produces paper thread from post-consumer paper resources and unused thinning materials, and "Kamifuori Yamauchi," a company that produces dyed and woven works using Sekishu washi paper. A coaster was produced using "TSUMUGI" paper threads for the warp and "Kamifuori Yamauchi" paper threads for the weft.

The design is based on the motif of "Iwami Kagura," a traditional performing art from the Iwami region of Shimane. "Iwami Kagura" is said to have begun as an event held by the general public in the Heian period to pray for good harvests and good catches. Even today, the flashy performances, which make use of fast-paced music called Hachichoshi and smoke and paper streamers, captivate local residents and tourists alike.

image
Product name	Dragon	peony	Vortex
Design Brief	Dragons have been worshipped since ancient times as "dragon gods" that control the sea and rain. Many of the costumes in Iwami Kagura are depicted with impressive dragons rampaging about, but this one in particular captures the scene of a dragon descending from heaven, which is said to bring good fortune to earth.	The peony and Chinese lion motif is also incorporated into the costumes of Iwami Kagura. While the leaping Chinese lions that cover the entire costume are expressed in three-dimensional embroidery, the peony is motionless and flat, but its plump flower shape alone exudes a presence and elegance worthy of the title "King of Flowers."	The spiral pattern is found all over the world and has many interpretations. One of the highlights of Iwami Kagura is the high-speed spinning of the dancers. These movements, along with the swirling patterns on their costumes, make the audience feel as if they are part of the performance.
size	Length 11cm x width 10cm
Selling price	2,990 yen (tax included)
country of origin	Japan

■Product Features
Paper thread is lightweight, yet smooth to the touch, and the beautiful colors and unique texture of the indigo dye give it a traditional Japanese feel.

The pattern is also woven using a special technique called ikat weaving. In this technique, the threads that will become the pattern are tied with vinyl tape and then dyed with indigo. The vinyl tape is then untied and the weaving continues, revealing the white pattern in the parts that were not dyed with indigo.

As a result, the outlines of the pattern appear slightly misaligned and blurred, creating a unique texture that can only be achieved through hand-made work and cannot be reproduced by dyeing pre-woven fabric.

■ About Kamifuori Yamauchi

After studying Japanese dressmaking and dyeing and weaving in Tokyo and Kyoto, she entered the Izumo Weaving Studio in Yasugi, Shimane Prefecture, where she trained. She then became independent as a dyeing and weaving artist, producing cotton and paper fabrics under the name "Kamifuori Yamauchi." In addition to crafts, she is also involved in creating art pieces using paper fabric as a theme, and researching the history of paper fabric as a folk art.