Study #2 - Vintage Japanese Silver Thread

Study #12
Handwoven vintage Japanese silver thread, Icelandic Plötulopi wool, and cotton
Walnut  Wood Frame
Measures  13'' x 17''

One of a series of three weavings studying texture manipulation within woven form. Shifts in weight and density work the surface, while a single woven block anchors the composition. This piece has a special way of reacting to the light throughout the day due to the shine of the Japanese silver thread.

*Vintage silver leaf thread from Japan made in Kyoto’s NISHIJIN district. This thread is made by applying thin strips of silver foil to a core thread, requiring delicate craftsmanship.

It is said that gold and silver threads, which originally came from the continent, began to be produced in Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573-1600).

The name Nishijin came into being because of the Onin War, a struggle for heirs during the Muromachi period (1336-1573). After the war, the textile industry flourished as Kyoto was rebuilt, and textiles from the district were called “Nishijin textiles”.