PIXEL WEAVE

Kakegawa weaving, a traditional technique passed down in the Chikugo region of Fukuoka Prefecture, features a simple structure with alternating large (about 3 cm) and small (about 1 cm) weaves. Patterns are created by varying the weft thread, known as igusa.

Noticing the similarity between the organizational unit of Kakegawa weaving and the rectangular shape of pixels, we have woven Kakegawa fabric with a pixelated expression, akin to a painting. From a distance, the design appears as a blurred image, while up close, one can appreciate the intricate and beautiful texture of the Kakegawa weave.

Igusa, the material used in traditional tatami mats, has been an essential part of Japanese living. As a breathable material, igusa is well-suited to Japan’s high humidity and frequent rainfall. However, with changing lifestyles, the use of tatami has declined, and domestic cultivation has dramatically decreased, with the number of tatami producers dropping to one-twentieth of its peak.

To preserve Japan’s igusa industry for the future, we felt it necessary to propose new forms of products using igusa that fit modern lifestyles. Thus, we created this Kakegawa weaving project using igusa.