Yukara-ori is a distinctive Hokkaido textile craft founded in 1962 by Kiuchi Aya (1924-2006), a dyer and weaver born in Asahikawa. Wool is dyed into more than 200 shades, and these colored threads are woven using tapestry-weave (tsuzure-ori) and float-weave (uki-ori) techniques to depict Hokkaido's natural scenery - drift ice, the black lily (kuroyuri), and the surface of Lake Mashu - almost like painting an oil canvas in cloth. Every stage, from dyeing and spinning to weaving, is carried out entirely by hand. The name derives from the Ainu word 'yukar,' meaning 'to hand down a tradition,' reflecting the hope of passing on Hokkaido's natural heritage to future generations through craft. Kiuchi Aya earned wide international acclaim, including the Grand Prize at the Japan Folk Art Public Exhibition (1977) and a gold medal at the International Textile Biennial in Hungary (1978). After her death, however, the Hokkaido Traditional Arts and Crafts Village that had taken over the business went bankrupt in 2016, leaving the Yukara-ori Craft Museum, its base of operations, closed for an extended period (effectively shut down). Today, 'Yukara-ori Kobo LLC,' established in 2018 by Takashima Yoshiki, a former creditor, carries on the techniques and works with the cooperation of veteran weavers and dyers.
Origin
Yukara-ori was founded in 1962 by Kiuchi Aya, a dyer and weaver born in Asahikawa. In the postwar years, Kiuchi repeated research and trial weaving under the guidance of the Hokkaido Prefectural Industrial Research Institute, and established the Yukara-ori workshop with the aim of creating a textile craft that expressed the natural landscape of Hokkaido itself. The name comes from the Ainu word 'yukar,' meaning 'to hand down a tradition.'
History
After its founding, Kiuchi Aya won high acclaim at home and abroad, including the Grand Prize at the Japan Folk Art Public Exhibition (1977) and a gold medal at the International Textile Biennial in Hungary (1978), and in 1984 a two-year touring exhibition was held at a museum in New Zealand. After Kiuchi's death, her successor also passed away in 2016, and the Hokkaido Traditional Arts and Crafts Village that operated the business went bankrupt the same year, closing the Yukara-ori Craft Museum. In 2018, Takashima Yoshiki, a former creditor, established 'Yukara-ori Kobo LLC' in Chuwa, Asahikawa, and resumed technique transmission on a small scale together with veteran artisans.
Features
The greatest characteristic is the use of wool dyed into more than 200 shades, woven with tapestry-weave and float-weave techniques into picture-like depictions of Hokkaido's natural scenery, such as drift ice, the black lily, and Lake Mashu. Because dyeing, spinning, and weaving are all done entirely by hand, a single piece of cloth takes a long time to complete. Most motifs are rooted in Hokkaido's four seasons and regional character, earning the craft the nickname 'a craft that weaves Hokkaido itself.'
Materials Used
Production Process
- 1
Dyeing
Wool is dyed into more than 200 colors, creating the subtle shades needed to depict natural scenery.
- 2
Spinning
The dyed wool is hand-spun into thread, preparing the colored yarn used for weaving.
- 3
Weaving
The colored threads are woven using tapestry-weave and float-weave techniques, depicting scenery and patterns as if painting in oils.
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Artisans & Workshops
合同会社 優佳良織工房（代表・高嶋良樹）
A workshop established in 2018, after the closure of the Yukara-ori Craft Museum, with the cooperation of veteran weavers and dyers. It carries on the techniques and works built up by Kiuchi Aya.
Official site →How to Buy
- 優佳良織工房（BASE公式通販）
- Small accessories and goods made with Yukara-ori's colored threads, such as table centers, business card holders, and coin purses, can be purchased online. Seasonal items such as hina dolls are also available.Where to buy →PR
- 優佳良織工房 直営売店
- A shop attached to the workshop in Chuwa, Asahikawa, displaying and selling a range of works such as wallets, bags, and pouches. Open 10:00-17:00, closed Sundays and Mondays.Where to buy →PR
Hands-on Experiences
優佳良織工房
北海道旭川市忠和5条7丁目4番2号
Advance reservation required by phone (0166-67-2547) or email. Visitors can try weaving using the same colored threads used in actual works (same-day requests may be accommodated on consultation).
View details →FAQ
Q. Can I visit the Yukara-ori Craft Museum?
A. Due to the bankruptcy of its operator, the museum has been closed for an extended period (effectively shut down) since 2016, and visits are not currently possible. Today, the Yukara-ori Kobo workshop in Asahikawa carries on the techniques and works.