Yotsume Dye House - Noren Curtain "Crane and Tortoise"

Stencil dyed Noren curtains by Toyokazu Ono - a second generation artisan of Katazome company. 

Story of Crane and Tortoisepattern:

"Creating a design for the Crane and Tortoise pattern, much like the revered Ebisu-sama and Daikoku-sama from the Seven Lucky Gods, has been quite a challenge. While some might assume that designing these symbolic motifs is straightforward, the reality is that preconceived notions and fixed images can be limiting. As an artist, I strive to transcend these conventional perceptions. The first hurdle is liberating myself from these fixed ideas. It’s essential to explore beyond traditional interpretations and find new ways to express the elegance of the crane and the wisdom of the tortoise—both powerful symbols of longevity. I hope you enjoy the sense of fun and the promise of a longer life every time you walk through this Noren!" -by Toyokazu Ono

• 100% hemp
• Approximate measurements: 34.5"W x 39.3"L
• Stencil dyed
• Care instruction: Taking a gentle approach is always best. This exquisite material is vulnerable to friction, so avoid rubbing it or throwing it in the washing machine. If you notice a small stain, simply pat the area with a damp cloth to remove the dirt. For bigger messes, fill up the bathtub with enough water to soak the Noren, add a neutral detergent, and wash gently before hanging it up to dry. Remember, this material should never be bent, as it can damage the materials and compromise its beauty.

Story:

Toyokazu Ono, a second-generation artisan of Katazome - the traditional Japanese stencil dye. Born and raised in the dying company, Toyokazu developed a deep passion for his ancestral art form. Drawing out the stencil patterns with a pencil and carving them into paper with a knife - each one painstakingly crafted one by one, with the utmost care and attention to detail. After years of training and practice, Toyokazu decided to forge his own path and, in 2015, moved to Oita prefecture in Kyushu Island with his talented ceramicist wife, Miki. And today, the Ono duo creates fusion textile wonders, blending traditional and modern patterns to produce unique one-of-a-kind products.