Kiji Arare Jikamon Nishiki Kobukusa Dashibukusa by Kitamura Tokusai

Kiji Arare Jikamon Nishiki  | 黄地霰地花文錦

This textile is a treasured artifact from the Shōsōin Repository. It is woven using a five-saya twill technique, with the pattern appearing to float above the surface. The design reflects the typical decorative style of Tang dynasty China, yet within its composition, one can sense the emergence of a distinctly Japanese aesthetic—gentle, refined, and expressive. It is considered a valuable example that marks a transitional moment in design history and is regarded as a forerunner of the yūsoku monyō (courtly patterns) that would later be used in the Japanese imperial court.

Product No. 196
Material: Finest Quality 100% Silk
Textile: Traditional Nishijin-ori (Kyoto Brocade)
Construction: Hand-sewn

Size:
Kobukusa: Approx. 15.8 × 15.2 cm (6.22 × 5.98 inches)
Dashibukusa: Approx. 27.5 × 28.5 cm (10.83 × 11.22 inches

茶の裂地名鑑 P75

Kitamura Tokusai is Japan’s only specialized maker of fukusa (ceremonial silk cloths) for tea ceremony. Established in 1712 (Shōtoku 2) in Kyoto’s Nishijin district, the workshop has been producing fine tea utensils for over 300 years, preserving the elegance and spirit of traditional craftsmanship.

Features of Kitamura’s Kobukusa

■ Carefully Selected Fabrics

Made from traditional textiles such as Nishijin-ori, each piece showcases refined patterns and graceful colors appropriate for the tea room.

■ Beautiful Craftsmanship

Each kobukusa is carefully hand-sewn with great attention to detail, offering both ease of use and aesthetic elegance.