[The Story of Fabric and Humanity] WABISUKE Injects Timeless Beauty into Canvas
[The Story of Fabric and Humanity]—WABISUKE Injects Timeless Beauty into Canvas—
Chapter 1: Why do people wear fabrics? The origin of fabrics and human history
When humans first began to wear fabric, it was not just to protect themselves from the cold or heat, but also to mark the beginning of a culture where "living" and "expression" overlapped.
Around 7000 BC, the techniques of twisting, knitting, and weaving plant fibers emerged in Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley Civilization. Natural materials such as linen, cotton, and wool were not simply materials; they also represented the climate of the land, the wisdom of the people, and even prayer.
Cloth gave meaning to the naked body. It was a symbol of status, a ritual tool, and sometimes even a battle flag. Cloth was a medium that conveyed emotions and thoughts faster than words.
Cloth as clothing eventually evolved into the aesthetics of "dressing up." In ancient Egypt, linen was considered sacred and was used to wrap mummies. In China, silk became a symbol of the emperor, and in Japan, hemp was used in religious ceremonies.
The cloth was not just a material, but a memory itself. Who wove it, what pattern it had, why it was dyed—all of this was engraved on the cloth.
Chapter 2: Canvas Fabric—The Intersection of Durability and Poetry
Canvas is a unique fabric. As its name suggests, it was once used as the "sails" of sailing ships. It is a fabric that catches the wind, crosses the sea, and connects the world. That is canvas.
Canvas is a thick fabric woven with thick twisted yarn in a plain weave. Its structure makes it both durable and breathable, and it maintains its shape even in harsh environments. In ancient Greece and Rome, flax canvas was used for ships and tents, and in Japan, Kogaku Matsuemon developed cotton canvas during the Edo period, contributing to the development of maritime shipping.
Canvas is a fabric that can be used for work, but it is also a fabric that tells a story. Its texture, weight, and density of the weave become familiar to the user, and its texture deepens over time. It is a fabric that can be cultivated, not thrown away.
Chapter 3: WABISUKE Canvas—A Timeless Textile
The reason why WABISUKE chooses canvas is not simply because of its strength, but because it is a fabric that embodies "beauty that stands the test of time."
WABISUKE's products are not just temporary, but are made with the aim of being "products that will remain good for many years to come." This philosophy resonates deeply with the properties of canvas.
WABISUKE uses high-quality Japanese canvas and dyes it with original designs to create textiles. The designs range from traditional Japanese patterns to animal motifs and abstract designs, creating a worldview where nostalgia and newness coexist.
Purses, pouches, pochettes, bags - each product makes the most of the texture of the fabric, adding a subtle touch of color to the life of the person who owns it.
Chapter 4: The story behind the design: A fusion of traditional and animal patterns
WABISUKE textiles are not just "patterns." They are "designs that speak" that incorporate eras, cultures, and a sense of playfulness.
Hemp leaf, Seigaiha, checkered, cloisonné, tortoiseshell, arabesque - these patterns have been used since ancient times to express wishes and prayers.
・Hemp leaf: A pattern that expresses wishes for the healthy growth of children ・Seigaiha: A wish for a peaceful life, like the gentle waves that continue forever ・Shippo: The shape of linked circles symbolizes the bonds and harmony between people
At WABISUKE, we reconstruct these patterns with a modern sensibility, elevating them into designs that combine nostalgia and newness.
Another face of WABISUKE is its "animal prints." Cats, birds, frogs, owls, dogs, squirrels—all humorous yet mysterious creatures.
・Cat: Capricious and free, but also a gentle companion. ・Owl: A symbol of wisdom and protection. A creature that embodies the quietness of the night.
These animals are dyed onto WABISUKE canvas, adding a little story to our everyday lives.
Chapter 5: How a Product is Born—The Hands and Time of a Craftsman
WABISUKE products are distinct from machine-made mass production. They are the result of the time and effort of artisans who know fabric, know needles, and trust in the human hand.
Cutting - Reading the "spaces" of the pattern The impression of a pattern dyed on canvas changes dramatically depending on where it is cut. Which animal's eyes should be placed in the small area of the purse? Which pattern rhythm should be brought to the front of the pouch? It's a process of reading the margins and spaces, just like the "kireji" (cutting characters) of haiku.
*Sewing - Skills to deal with thickness Canvas is a thick and sturdy fabric. Therefore, sewing it requires more skill. Processing corners, attaching metal fittings, and balancing it with the lining.
Finishing touches: The final step, which involves imagining the person who will use the product, is to give the product a "feel." Finishing the threads, checking the position of the tag, and checking the texture. It's a time of quiet prayer, as we work to ensure the product is intimately connected to the life of someone we've yet to meet.
Chapter 6: Living with Fabrics—WABISUKE's Striving for Everyday Poetry
WABISUKE's canvas products are not just "things." They are "existences" that add a little poetry to the heart of your daily life.
Changes over time - when the fabric begins to speak. The more you use canvas, the softer it becomes, the deeper its color becomes, and it becomes more comfortable in your hand. This is not "deterioration," but "maturity." The corners of the clasp become rounded, and the fabric of the pouch fades slightly. All of this overlaps with the time of the user.
Canvas as a gift
WABISUKE products are also chosen as gifts. This is not simply because they are "cute" or "stylish." It is because they have meaning.
・Give wishes through traditional patterns ・Bring smiles with humorous animal prints
・The strength of canvas material gives you peace of mind that it will last a long time.
The moment when the thoughts of the giver and the life of the recipient quietly intersect.
That is the true value of WABISUKE canvas products.
Emotional memories created by "owning"
Bags and pouches are some of the things we touch the most in our daily lives.
That's why the emotions that reside there are deep and last a long time.
・A pouch used during a trip ・A purse given to you by a special person ・The feel of a pouch you picked up on a random day
These poems take the form of fabric in my memory.
It becomes part of the landscape of life.
A life that resonates with fabric
WABISUKE canvas products begin to quietly "resonate" in the hands of the user.
It is the moment when the texture of the fabric and the warmth of memory come together.
It exists like a poem, gently nestled in someone's life.
・The color of the fabric deepens with the changing seasons. ・The shape becomes familiar with the daily routine. ・Memories are suddenly brought back to life.
WABISUKE aims to create "the poetry of everyday life that lives with fabric."
It is a story of a cloth that gently accompanies the user's life and quietly tells them a story.
Chapter 7: The future of fabrics and the future of WABISUKE
Fabric not only holds memories of the past, but also questions for the future.
The reason why WABISUKE is particular about canvas is not just the choice of material,
Because we believe in "fabrics that live with time."
〇Inheritance, not consumption
The modern world demands speed and efficiency.
New fashion and miscellaneous goods are constantly being born and disappearing.
However, WABISUKE seems to be going against the flow.
We continue to create "things that can be used for a long time" and "things that time will be on your side."
Canvas is a material that develops a unique character the more you use it.
The designs are rooted in culture and emotion, not trends.
A product is something that quietly grows in someone's life.
It's not consumption, it's "inheritance."
It is an activity that passes on values and memories to the next generation through fabric.
The possibilities of textiles
WABISUKE's original textiles will continue to spread in the future.
Reinterpretation of traditional patterns, new animal print series, seasonal themed designs, etc.
The fabric itself will evolve into something that speaks.
We are also considering combining it with materials other than canvas.
We aim to achieve both functionality and aesthetics, such as softness, lightness, water repellency, and environmental friendliness.
We will continue to pioneer the future of fabric with a unique WABISUKE perspective.
Chapter 8: What is in the name WABISUKE?
The word "wabisuke" conveys a sense of serenity and modesty.
It's not flashy, but inner beauty.
A charm that deepens with time.
And a presence that gently embraces someone's heart.
〇The philosophy behind the name
・Not flashy, but unforgettable ・Quiet, but with a definite presence ・Craftsmanship that adds poetry to everyday life
The canvas material, the design, and the product shape,
Everything resonates with the idea of "Wabisuke."
Chapter 9: Connecting fabric and people—the relationship WABISUKE aims for
WABISUKE products are not just "things";
It is also a chance to connect people.
・When it is chosen as a gift, there is a sentiment behind it. ・As you continue to use it, the fabric begins to speak. ・Memories are rekindled at unexpected moments.
This is because fabric is connected to human emotions.
WABISUKE values such relationships.
Through our products, we aim to be a part of people's lives,
Emotions and memories are woven through the fabric.
It's not a brand, it's a story.
WABISUKE will continue to quietly weave stories of fabric and people.
Chapter 10: Summary—Time and Poetry on Canvas
It has been thousands of years since humans began wearing cloth.
Throughout history, fabric has always been a medium that tells a story.
Canvas is a fabric that works and speaks.
WABISUKE dyes the canvas with a poem called a design,
We deliver stories that are close to people's lives through our products.
・The culture and playfulness embodied in the patterns ・The shapes created by the hands of artisans and time ・Memories revealed through aging ・The meaning of a gift ・The potential of fabrics that connect to the future
All of these qualities are present in WABISUKE's canvas products.