itu

itu is a necklace made from a traditional silk Kimono textile that originated from the tropical island of Amami-Oshima. The word “itu” means “Yarn” and is derived from the local vernacular. The rich black color is made using a Japanese natural mud dyeing technique. The intricate Kasuri (Resisted yarn dyeing) pattern is carefully woven together using both warp and weft of the loom.

“The black color of the authentic Amami Oshima Tsumugi that has a unique shine is created by the repetition of Dorosome (mud dying) and Techikisome (Raphilolepis umbellata dying). Its pattern is said to be the most intricate in the world and is pre-dyed respectively on the warp and the weft before carefully woven into the pattern. itu design is inspired by threads that go through this numerous production steps.”

4つ折のパンフレットを開くと奄美大島の風景が広がり、作られた土地も感じでもらえるよう工夫をしています

Client:
Harakinuorimono Co.,Ltd. (Japan)
Product Launch:
2014
Tasks:
Planning & Art Direction
Product Design
Package Design
Graphic Design
Art Direction & Design collaboration:
Rika Kawato as design unit "st+to"
Photographer:
Sayaka Mochizuki
Website:
www.nizaemon.jp/itu