Gion Matsuri
祇園祭
The Gion festival
Motif
In Japan, there are a countless numbers of shinto festivals called “matsuri”. Many shrines have their own festival celebrated every year, the bigger the shrine, the bigger the matsuri. Gion matsuri is celebrated on the second weekend of July in Kyoto and is one of the most popular Festival of Japan. The procession, made up of many floats, parades up the main street, Shijo dori, until arriving at the famous Yasaka shrine located in the Gion area.
The “mikoshi” (portable shrines) are built in the streets weeks before the celebration, and many locals join the effort. When they are ready, they are decorated with precious fabrics and antique artworks which were offered to the city over the centuries, before being hand-pulled to the main shrine.
The surrounding streets are totally closed for the duration of the festival and food trucks settle to serve spectators.
FABRIC
technique: jacquard
yarns: lamé threads & silk
This obi was made in the Nishijin district, weaving district of Kyoto. We can observe textured elements (scenes and characters) on a plain black background. The motifs are accurately detailed, which is one characteristics of Nishijin fabrics.
The background is woven with golden threads, creating a square-scale pattern. This design symbolizes the application of gold leaf, referencing traditional folding screen paintings where gold leaf is often applied to the background.
Framing
When ordering a Phone bag or a Bumbag, you can choose the details and colours of the motif you would like to feature on your bag. A bigger design like the Computer bag or the Weekender will allow the entire motif to show.
Previously made in this fabric
Weekender
In-person workshop in Kyoto
If you are visiting Kyoto and would like to spend some time discovering these fabrics in person, you are welcome to visit my studio.
Together, we will design your bag from A to Z. You will choose your favourite obi and even cut the fabric yourself, selecting the exact part of the motif you love most.
I will then carefully sew and finish your bag and ship it to you once it is complete.
→ Book a studio visit and experience the fabrics with your own eyes