Tango Silk Crepe interwoven with seashells

The Tamiya Raden workshop from the Tango region in the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture uses a special weaving technique to create a unique fabric called "Raden Ori" (mother-of-pearl weaving).
The artisans at Tamiya Raden weave this exceptional fabric using a complex process called « Hiki-Baku" which is mainly used for traditional Japanese obi (sashes) in kimono attire.





The Tango region has been a prominent producer of silk fabric for traditional Japanese attire for about 300 years. Even today, over 70% of silk textiles used in Japanese clothing are woven in the Tango region. Among the producers of silk textiles in the area, Tamiya Raden stands out for exceptional and challenging craftsmanship, weaving rare fabrics that incorporate seashells to capture the sparkle of the sea within the cloth.





Through the advanced traditional weaving technique called "Hiki-Baku" each seashell is intricately woven by hand into the fabric, emitting the light of the sea from within.
The unparalleled beauty of these fabrics was even appreciated by members of the imperial family.





I do not recall the exact moment when I first met Mr. Kyoji Tamiya who carries on the legacy of the Raden Ori technique developed by his predecessors over several years. However, I believe it was around 2011 when I participated in an exhibition in Paris.
It was during this event that I first had the opportunity to admire the splendid woven works from Mr. Tamiya and learned about the Tango weaving industry.

Since then, I have been introduced to the Tanba weaving community and have become acquainted with numerous textile artisans. Subsequently, I became involved in various overseas projects with the Tango Weaving Industry Association.

From the Tango region to the world - Tamiya Silk Crepe has obtained international recognition

Mr. Tamiya has achieved numerous collaborations with luxury brands worldwide, utilizing his highly original weaving techniques.He is one of the leading Japanese textile artisans and has made significant contributions to the international recognition and awareness of the TANGO brand. In recent years, he has created astonishingly creative textiles not only with seashells but also with leather, wood, bamboo, resin, and other materials. His innovative work has captured global attention, and he continues to be successful overseas.





Mr. Tamiya also participated in the "TÉ.ORI" project, organized by Kyoto Prefecture. Using the « Hiki-Baku » technique, he created a special fabric by weaving silk together with slit leather. The resulting scarves can be described as soft leather textiles that possess an unparalleled shine and luxurious feel.





Made in in collaboration between Tango Weaving and French textile design, these fashion items captivate onlookers with their one-of-a-kind brilliance and add a new stylish touch to your autumn and winter look!