Takeshi
The Story
The area around Kyoto’s Mibu temple was once populated with traditional dyers, who operated the many small dyeing factories that dotted this area. Nishimura Yuzen-Chokoku was established here in 1938 as a Kyo-Yuzen engraving specialist for these custom-made, Yuzen-dyed fabrics. Takeshi grew up watching his father Tomokichi work, and in 1967 he began a formal apprenticeship in order to master all the techniques of Yuzen stencil engraving, eventually forming his own workshop.
At the age of 60, Takeshi was considering closing the family business due to a decrease in demand for Yuzan-dyed fabrics. Luckily he was offered the chance to participate in Kyoto Contemporary, a Kyoto City project with the goal of developing more sales channels overseas. This allowed Takeshi to start making products using his own techniques.
While he pursues forms that make the most of traditional techniques, Takeshi frees himself from the binds of stereotypes. With his stencil designs he creates Japanese traditional patterns, landscapes patterns, or imagistic portrayals which inspire a feeling of warmth, peace, and the Japanese spirit. His love of hiking gives rise to new forms inspired by nature. He is currently working on a new style of production to bring his works into our everyday lives, and wishes to create special paper patterns which somehow touch our hearts.
The Tour
Explanation of kimono history, culture and design, and introduction of tools and techniques
First, the history and cultural background of the traditional kimono and the meaning of the design will be explained in detail. In addition, the tools and techniques used in yuzen carving will be introduced in detail.
Demonstration of Yuzen carving
Visitors will see a demonstration of yuzen carving by a craftsman. By experiencing the precision and beauty of traditional techniques in front of your eyes, one can appreciate the depth of craftsmanship.
Experiencing stencil carving
Travelers will also have the opportunity to actually carve their own initials (alphabet) on the pattern using a cone. The finished pieces can be taken home to enjoy at home as a memento of their trip.
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The Craft
Paper patterns are engraved upon to enhance traditional Japanese clothing and accessories. Depending on the dyeing method and purpose of use, it is necessary to engrave up to several hundred stencils for items such as formal and semi-formal kimono, long-sleeved kimono and other small articles.
Takeshi offers studio visits that explain kimono history, culture, design. Visitors can observe the techniques for carving these intricate patterns as well as the tools involved, followed by an experience in using these same stencil techniques in making postcards.
Selected works
