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EDO KOMON

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photo <i>Edo komon</i>

Description

Edo komon (literally “Edo small crests”) developed during the Edo period (1603–1868) as a finely detailed decoration for kamishimo, a piece of formal attire worn by samurai. Later, the style spread to commoners’ kimono as well. Historically, Edo komon is dyed using Ise stenciles (Ise katagami).
While fabric decorated with Edo komon appears to be plain cloth from a distance, up close the extremely delicate repeating patterns fascinate the eye. Edo komon is almost always dyed a single base color.

Process

  • 1.White fabric is mounted on a board and a stencil is used to apply a paste-resist pattern.
  • 2.Colored paste is applied to the entire surface and the cloth is steamed. Once washed, the fabric is complete.
  • Reference: Nihon Kōgeikai Higashi Nihon Shibu (Japan Kōgei Association Eastern Branch), ed., Dentō kōgei-tte nani? – miru, shiru, tanoshimu gaido bukku (What Are Traditional Crafts? –A Guidebook to Seeing, Learning, and Enjoying). Unsodo, 2013.
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