07. Koromo of Kudzu-fu | Kantoi
Some kudzu fabric attached to a bronze mirror from the early Kofun period was excavated from the Shobugaura-Kofun Tumulus in Dazaifu, Kyushu Prefecture. This is considered to be the oldest Kudzu cloth in Japan. Several references to kudzu can be found in Manyoshu (Ten Thousands Leaves - the first major anthology of early Japanese poetry). Kudzu was worn as clothing as early as the Nara period (710-794 AD).
01. Koromo of Kudzu-fu | Kudzu-fu top with Hakkaku-Shinka embroidery
Collection composed of Kudzu-fu (kudzu fabric). Kudzu-fu, regarded as a primitive material, is woven of threads made of the bast fibers of the kudzu stem. Inspired by kantoi work clothing. With an original Hakkaku-Shinka embroidery.
02. Koromo of Kudzu-fu | Haori jacket
The fabric is the natural color of kudzu plants. Lined with organic cotton lawn. Kudzu fabric from the Enshu region (now Shizuoka Prefecture) has a characteristic shine.
03. Koromo of Kudzu-fu | Kantoi vest
In the Edo era, according to Wakan sansai zue (an encyclopedia compiled in the Edo period), Enshu became Japan's sole kudzu production district.
04. Koromo of Kudzu-fu | Kantoi
Before fabrics such as hemp, karamushi, cotton and silk were introduced to Japan, fabrics were collectively called yu-fu. The raw materials were generally made from the bast fibers of kudzu, wisteria and paper mulberry.
05. Kudzu-fu and Shironameshi shoulder bag
Kudzu vines are harvested in early summer when they are still green. The vines are tied, boiled, and then cooled in a stream.
06. Koromo of Kudzu-fu | Haori jacket and top with Hakkaku-Shinka embroidery
Kudzu vines are then wrapped in susuki grass and naturally fermented. They are taken out once their skin has dissolved. The kudzu is then dried and split by hand.
07. Koromo of Kudzu-fu | Kantoi
Some kudzu fabric attached to a bronze mirror from the early Kofun period was excavated from the Shobugaura-Kofun Tumulus in Dazaifu, Kyushu Prefecture. This is considered to be the oldest Kudzu cloth in Japan. Several references to kudzu can be found in Manyoshu (Ten Thousands Leaves - the first major anthology of early Japanese poetry). Kudzu was worn as clothing as early as the Nara period (710-794 AD).
01. Koromo of Kudzu-fu | Kudzu-fu top with Hakkaku-Shinka embroidery
Collection composed of Kudzu-fu (kudzu fabric). Kudzu-fu, regarded as a primitive material, is woven of threads made of the bast fibers of the kudzu stem. Inspired by kantoi work clothing. With an original Hakkaku-Shinka embroidery.