NEWS
TOKYO COLLECTION
During the Edo period, the densely populated city of Edo (present-day Tokyo) was a place where people came together and culture blossomed. In a city at the forefront of fashion and entertainment, the people of Edo were drawn to the modern styles of the time, seeking out everything from fresh kimono textiles to makeup techniques. Driven by their enthusiasm, the culture of craftsmanship flourished, resulting in an array of beautifully crafted items. And within these wares, there was a simple beauty to be found, born from the lives of the common people themselves. This sense of “iki” resided in intricate patterns, evident only upon close inspection, designs imbued with a playful spirit, and cords with meanings intertwined in their knots and colours. For those who appreciated such subtleties, artisanal items became a form of communication.
Centuries later, this spirit remains at the heart of Tokyo. Rich culture continues to blossom in myriad hues, while numerous crafts have been passed down from generation to generation. The city’s ever-evolving nature is reflected in Amuami’s Tokyo Collection, which presents a modern take on heritage and tradition. From kiriko (cut glass) to kumihimo (braided cord), the craftsmanship behind each piece extends to the finest of details, while subtle hints of playfulness and a simple beauty can be found within.
MANUFACTURE
龍工房
Ryukobo
Operating as a family business for more than 130 years, Ryukobo makes kumihimo braided cords in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, under master craftsman Takashi Fukuda. In addition to making kumihimo used to hold the obi sash of a kimono in place, the workshop is rare in that it undertakes all stages of production, from the dyeing of silk threads to design and weaving. Working on commissions from Japan’s imperial family, collaborations with international maisons and more, Ryukobo is constantly pursuing the possibilities of kumihimo.
清水硝子
Shimizu Glass
Shimizu Glass is an Edo kiriko (cut glass) workshop founded in 1923. One of the few workshops dating back to the pre-war era, Shimizu Glass has been involved with production for a major glass tableware maker for many years, refining its cutting and polishing techniques along the way. More recently, the workshop has started making its own products and taking Edo kiriko outside the field of tableware, applying the craft to building materials and accessories. Key projects include the creation of decorative parts for the elevator walls at Tokyo Sky Tree.
