Ise City Launches 'Isewashitex' Fabric and Debut Sacosh Bag
The municipal government of Ise, Mie Prefecture, has successfully developed a new textile called 'Isewashitex,' created by weaving traditional Ise washi paper strips with cotton yarn. This five-year project was executed in collaboration with the office of the late renowned designer Kansai Yamamoto, aiming to establish a new local brand. The resulting fabric is lightweight, breathable, and highly moisture-absorbent, leveraging the strength of kozo paper mulberry fibers. The first commercial product utilizing this material is the 'Sacosh,' a lightweight shoulder bag priced at 2,700 yen. Designed with modern Japanese aesthetics inspired by the Okihiki folk festival, the bag features embroidery evoking the Ise Jingu shrine. It is currently available in limited quantities at the Ise Kikuichi tourist hub and online. Ise City holds the registered trademark for Isewashitex and is actively seeking manufacturing partners to expand the product line. This initiative highlights the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, promoting regional tourism and cultural heritage through innovative material science.
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Ise City Launches 'Isewashitex' Fabric and Debut Sacosh Bag
The municipal government of Ise, Mie Prefecture, has successfully developed a new textile called 'Isewashitex,' created by weaving traditional Ise washi paper strips with cotton yarn. This five-year project was executed in collaboration with the office of the late renowned designer Kansai Yamamoto, aiming to establish a new local brand. The resulting fabric is lightweight, breathable, and highly moisture-absorbent, leveraging the strength of kozo paper mulberry fibers. The first commercial product utilizing this material is the 'Sacosh,' a lightweight shoulder bag priced at 2,700 yen. Designed with modern Japanese aesthetics inspired by the Okihiki folk festival, the bag features embroidery evoking the Ise Jingu shrine. It is currently available in limited quantities at the Ise Kikuichi tourist hub and online. Ise City holds the registered trademark for Isewashitex and is actively seeking manufacturing partners to expand the product line. This initiative highlights the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, promoting regional tourism and cultural heritage through innovative material science.
The Mainichi