visvim Focuses on Yanai-Jima Workwear Fabric in Latest Dissertation
A handmade textile that dates back to the 1860s.
Following its case study of the art of fly fishing is visvim’s latest dissertation that analyzes the history of Japan’s traditional Yanai-jima textile. The woven fabric was popularly produced in the Meiji Period (1868-1912) for everyday workwear, attracting locals in the Setouchi area with its rich color, softness, and beautiful stripe patterns. As the Meiji period came to a close, the textile “almost completely disappeared,” as per visvim.
Similar to the characteristics of indigo denim — of which visvim has unearthed and exposed extensively — Yanai-jima textile holds details and form within the fabric itself, and gives the user a distinct aftereffect through time and wear.
Thanks to the finding of one Takahata loom 30 years ago, the fabric lives on today and is a favorite amongst Japanese and international fashion houses the world over. “The discovery of the once-forgotten Takahata loom increased the interest to revive production of the traditional fabric, and with the help of local volunteers, the “Yanai-jima Preservation Society” was formed,” said the brand.
Chairman of the Yanai-jima Preservation Society, Tadao Ishida, has worked relentlessly to revitalize the fabric as well as revamp old looms to get production of the Yanai-jima fabric going. “There are not so many authentic Yanai-jima kimonos left in spite of the fact that they were so abundant at the time,” said Ishida to visvim. “Unlike high-end fabrics, Yanai-jima fabrics were used to make everyday clothing, so it was easier for people to throw them away.”
View the gallery above and head over to visvim’s official website to read the entire dissertation.
