Story
Weaving the Leather
The Tango district faces the Sea of Japan and is a region of natural scenery that retains the flavor of ancient Japan. This natural environment and climate is necessary for textile production and the temperament of the residents is passed on from generation to generation.
TAMIYA RADEN is based on inspiration from nature and techniques cultivated in a background of history and tradition. We pursue the creation of all new fabrics with a convergence of natural materials such as silk, sea shells, lacquer, wood and leather. The fabric in the photograph is crafted with leather as the weft and silk as the warp, creating a material with a distinct dedication to quality. Due to the inability to mass produce and the commitment to the highest quality from raw materials to weaving, the price is quite high. We hope to offer this charming material to customers who seek the finest quality in their products.
Weaving the sea gems
"If only fabric could be woven from mother-of-pearl…” In 1977, this was the idea that consumed Katsuichiro Tamiya – a textile craftsman from Tango. After two years of dedicated research, he was successful.
The Tango region has a more than 1300-year history as a traditional center for woven silk fabrics. Tango also continues to support the time-honored Japanese traditions of the kimono.
Perhaps it could be better said that the convergence of history, environment, and traditions taught by the masters has brought the sea shell and fabric together – giving birth to this technology. We believe that it is our appointed mission to develop this technology into a legitimate tradition.
The kanji character “Ra” found in “Raden” – which is a style of Japanese lacquerware – means “sea shell” and the character for “Den” means craftsmanship.
First developed as a decorative finish in Japanese lacquerware, this name, raden, has come to refer to specific technique. The raden technique and a traditional Japanese weaving method called “hiki-haku” (which can be translated as “pull-foil”) were fused and an all new methodology was created. For this new technique, mother-of-pearl is sliced into thin veneers that are laminated on handmade Japanese paper. This paper is then cut into long, very thin strips, and these strips are woven as threads for the woof to make fabric.
This represents a break from conventional concepts. The glisten and sparkle of the ocean given off by the sea shells is expressed in a flexible material.
