SHIRUSHIZOME HANTEN – NIHON / MILE

This original piece was created in collaboration with a traditional shirushizome dyeing atelier in Kyoto and centers on the single kanji character “MILE” (参).

The back features the bold character “参,” which carries layered meanings such as “to visit,” “to pay respect,” and “to participate.” It evokes the act of pilgrimage, engagement, and reverence.
 
At the waist, the characters for “Nihon” (Japan) are rendered in Kakuji, a highly decorative script that emerged during the Edo period. Kakuji forms kanji within a square grid, using only horizontal and vertical lines to create a geometric, ornamental style reminiscent of a pattern.
 
Dyed with the spirit of “visiting Japan,” this hanten was conceived as a garment for the traveler—created for those who journey through Japan with curiosity and admiration.
A piece dedicated to those who love Japan.
 
While incorporating modern equipment, the piece is created using traditional stencil-dyeing techniques, carefully drawing out the depth and rich character unique to shirushizome—qualities that cannot be replicated through digital printing.

Kyoto – Shirushizome Kobo Sugishita
 
The traditional Kyoto craft of shirushi-zome has added color to everyday life in Japan since the 14th to 16th centuries.
 
Bold yet precise, this dyeing technique was developed to communicate information at a glance. It can be seen in items such as flags bearing family crests, shrine banners, and shop curtains (noren), where clarity and visual impact were essential.