Heizo
The Story
Since its establishment in 1894, “restoration and creation” has been the heart of Tatsumura Textile.
Born in 1876 as the grandson of an Osaka currency exchange merchant, founder Heizo Hiranoya was brought up in an environment rich with fine arts. His grandfather’s death when Heizo was 16 triggered the decline of the family business. He left school to enter the kimono business in Nishijin, first in sales, but he gradually began to study weaving. In 1894, at age 18, Heizo became an independent textile manufacturer.
When the Jacquard loom was introduced into Nishijin, Heizo speculated that production would expand, and so recruited young designers from neighboring schools and art guilds. His brocades gained popularity and were imitated by other companies in the industry. Heizo also began researching and restoring antique textiles, such as those stored by Nara’s Shosoin and Horyu-ji., which led to his receiving many offers to restore antique cloth. After the second world war, he held an exhibition which toured the United States, which contributed to popularizing textiles throughout the world, ultimately leading to collaborations with famous designers as such as Christian Dior.
In Japan, Tatsumura Textile is well known not only for their textile restoration, but also widely known for creating artistic brocade with exclusive originality. The company has produced fabrics for imperial enthronement ceremonies, for the interior of the Imperial Household Agency’s state carriage, as well as for the drop curtains for famous theaters throughout Japan, including the renewed Kabuki-za. They have also produced interior decorations for the pavilions in the 1970 World Expo Osaka, tapestry for the Japanese Supreme Court, plus decorative brocades for Kyoto’s Gion festival. Tatsumura has also restored textiles for Nara’s Todai-ji, and their designs have been utilized in aircraft interiors and as seat covers for the Shinkansen and national airlines.
The art textiles they produce are the “crystallization of Japanese aesthetic sense and sense of beauty,” which is the culmination of Nishijin textile techniques. The company is committed to the daily improvement of the techniques as they produce them, to transform them into works of art suitable for modern times, with the intent of passing them on to the next generation.
The Tour
1) Guided tour of the factory, introduction of technology, and explanation of manufacturing story and philosophy
Heizo Tatsumura V himself will guide visitors through the factory and provide detailed explanations of the techniques, history, and products. Visitors can experience the depth of tradition and technology by watching the actual weaving process up close. The exhibition will also introduce a number of the company’s works, the thoughts of the weavers behind them, and examples of how they are being used today.
2) Experiencing Spaten Weaving and Jacquard Loom
Those who wish to participate can try their hand at using a traditional hand loom. Under the guidance of the weavers, visitors can experience firsthand the skill and delicacy that goes into every single movement of the weaving process, and gain a true appreciation of the depth of traditional craftsmanship. This is a unique and special opportunity to directly experience the breath of craftsmanship through the process of completing a work of art.
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The Craft
From art textiles to industrial materials, Tatsumura Textile’s products are manufactured by applying a number of highly developed skills. Originating from the production of Nishijin-textile obi, Tatsumura have applied their weaving techniques and aesthetic sense to produce textiles for all kinds of uses, including Japanese and Western goods.
Known as an expert in the restoration of antique textiles, the founder was devoted to the research and restoration of numerous textiles, and the knowledge and skill gained by this exhaustive study of the materials of antique textiles developed into the artistry of Tatsumura.
The distinctive feature of the aesthetic expression of Tatsumura brocade is made possible by being elaborate and adventurous at the same time. Time cannot deprive the innovative and original design of Tatsumura’s art brocade. Their works consistently reveal a beauty that will be instantly revealed as work by a Tatsumura craftsperson.
Selected works
