Handcrafted vintage Japanese textiles repurposed into stunning one-of-a-kind home accessories.

Most of the vintage textiles used to create this collection were harvested from incredibly well preserved Japanese obis and garments found in what was once known as, the Nishijin district of Japan. Many of the textiles were created during the Meiji period (1868 – 1912) and Showa Era (1926 – 1945) when the kimono was standard garment worn by men, women, dignitaries, and Samurai.

Our CTi Soft Collection textiles feature “Nishiki” textiles (beautiful colour combination) which, are characterized by the lavish use of gold and silver threads to make patterns of flowers, birds and traditional geometric designs. Our collection also features “Tsuzure” tapestry and brocades, which are the most ornate and expensive of all of this type of textile. Additional details may include: Silk, Cotton, Leather, Suede or Fur.

In preindustrial Japan, only the nobility, Samurai and upper classes were permitted to wear clothing made of silk, while peasants wore clothing made from cotton, linen, hemp and wool. Color combinations and motifs represented seasonal colors and were a reflection of political status.

Traditionally, craftsmen were commissioned to make garments for upperclassmen. It took many months to make one single bolt of fabric called, Tan. The standard dimension of tan is approximately 14 inches wide and 12½ yards long and the entire bolt is used to make one single garment. All of the extraordinary fabrics and textiles created during this period were made entirely by hand. Silk cocoons were hand spun into threads and yarns, which were hand loomed and woven by teams of Nishijin weavers. The fabric would then be handled by teams of dyers who used traditional dying and screening techniques to incorporate texture, depth in color and special patterns. The fabrics were further embellished by needle workers who meticulously hand embroidered patterns to create unique and exotic motifs. Even after adding embroidery, the tan may have received additional embellishments such as, gold and/or silver leafing, hand painting and perhaps even beading.

These most precious textiles represent an art form of tradition and masterful craftsmanship that is rarely practiced in this millennium. Our prices reflect the age, rarity, handiwork and condition of the textile, which has been lovingly re-purposed into a beautiful, yet functional home accessory.