Tokyo Te-Shigoto by a Traditional Craftsperson
We are pleased to announce our participation in the Tokyo Te-Shigoto Project.
With the cooperation of graphic designer Yasuhiro Suzuki, we focused on the Gunchu region around Fujiyoshida City in Yamanashi, a renowned umbrella fabric production area, and utilized the 400-year history of Koshu-ori fabric. We devised a method to dynamically arrange two types of traditional patterns, enhancing design freedom within the 14 cm pattern limitation of jacquard looms.
About the Design
We combined Ramuda's iconic stripe pattern with the crane, a traditional auspicious motif often seen on kimonos since ancient times.
【Crane】Tsuru
Cranes symbolize "longevity" and "vitality." Furthermore, as they mate for life, they are considered "symbols of marital harmony." In China, they have been revered as "auspicious birds" (zuichō), portending good fortune.
Traditional Craftsperson × Ramuda Staff
Ichihara Co., Ltd. was established in 1946 as a general fashion accessory manufacturer and wholesaler. Initially, leather goods (mainly belts and suspenders) were the primary products. However, to meet customer demands, skilled artisans and fashion-savvy staff have been experimenting for over 75 years...
We are committed to "Made in Japan," characterized by meticulous craftsmanship and timeless fashion sensibility.
We want to deliver exquisite items that subtly accompany our customers through the years, becoming lifelong companions.
As umbrella artisans age and decline in number, we deliberately established our own umbrella workshop in Nihonbashi Kayabacho, right in the heart of Tokyo. We intentionally train artisans as employees, and two of the seven certified traditional Tokyo umbrella craftspersons are employed and manufacturing at our company.
From the wooden mold, handle, fabric, to the ribs, each component contributes to the completion of a single umbrella.
Each carefully selected and unique component is an exquisite masterpiece with a distinct character.
Artisan × Ramuda Staff.
We craft our products with the desire to accompany and deliver to the lifestyles of our valued customers.
Ramuda's Commitment and Technology
To ensure long-lasting use, the umbrella ribs are made of lightweight and durable carbon fiber.
Dabo Cover
To prevent the umbrella fabric from rubbing or tearing at the joint sections of the ribs, fabric patches are applied to the "dabo" (joint sections) of the umbrella, preventing direct contact between the ribs and the fabric.
Rokuro Wrap
To prevent finger injuries from the wires binding the runner and ribs, the wires are wrapped with the same fabric and sewn.
Mouth Closure
The mouth closure, which is prone to wrinkling, is skillfully sewn to prevent wrinkles when attaching the tips.
Handle
The umbrella handles are made of natural wood; madake bamboo for women's umbrellas and ironwood for men's umbrellas.
Madake bamboo has unique nodes and scorch marks, while ironwood is made from bent tree branches (with some processing), resulting in varying branch nodes and thicknesses. No two are exactly alike, allowing you to enjoy your own original piece. The fabric, which gives the wearer a gentle appearance, is also a charm. UV cut of over 90% for all seasons.
Ramuda's Consideration and Ingenuity
The umbrella is treated with both waterproofing and UV protection, with a UV cut rate of over 90%. It can also be used as a parasol.
Umbrella Marker using Edo Kumihimo
As a small distinguishing mark, we have included a detachable umbrella marker. The loop is made of rayon elastic and adorned with a decorative knot made of Edo kumihimo (braided cord), allowing it to be used not only on the handle but also in other positions.
Kanau Musubi (men's)
This is a decorative knot where the front of the knot appears as a "mouth" character (口) with four eyes, and the back appears as a "ten" character (十). It is also called such because it is said that "all wishes come true," making it an auspicious knot.
Creator's Thoughts
Umbrella artisans diligently sew and finish each umbrella one by one every day. I am delighted to have been able to participate in the material and design aspects of this umbrella thanks to the support of this product project. As an umbrella artisan, I have carefully handled the fabric with its auspicious patterns that bring splendor and happiness, and I have finished it with all my heart.
Tokyo Traditional Umbrella Craftsperson
"Tokyo Wagasa" (Tokyo Western Umbrella), designated as a traditional craft of Tokyo in 2018, is an umbrella crafted one by one by traditional craftspersons using methods passed down for over 100 years since the Meiji era, from fabric cutting to sewing and finishing. Two of the seven certified traditional craftspersons are employed and manufacturing at Ramuda.
We recommend air-drying the umbrella overnight in the shade before storing it after use.
