Suzusan

For more than 100 years, the Murase family behind Suzusan – now in its fifth generation – has been refining the traditional shibori technique in the Japanese town of Arimatsu. It was founded in 2008 by Hiroyuki, who recognised the value and beauty that this handicraft held. The sensitive process, which translates to ‘wring’ or ‘twist’, sees parts of the textile tied, sewn or folded before they’re dyed. Such careful manipulation results in flowing colour gradients, contrasts and three-dimensional structures. Yet, this fine craft is declining at a rapid pace; while there were once 10,000 artisans working in Arimatsu, today there are less than 200. Its revival is therefore paramount to Suzusan, which is seen in the constant development of innovative procedures, materials and dyes.