These beautiful luminaries use an ancient Japanese textile finishing technique called Shibori (translated as wring and twist) to give a three dimensional structure to fabric. Hiroyuki Murase, the designer of these luminaries and founder of Suzusan the company that produces them, comes from Arimatsu, a town between Kyoto and Tokyo. His family also has a long tradition working in Shibori.
He has taken the traditional techniques and applied new materials, such as polyester, and found new techniques, such as heat-treating, to permanently lock-in the three dimensional forms and structures. This experimentation has allowed him to create these enchanting textile shades, as well as many other products such as clothing.
Over the centuries, a variety of different Shibori techniques were developed which allowed each craftsman to create a artisan’s signature for his work. The fabrics were also dyed further enhancing the crafted nature, and individuality of the products. Hiroyuki Murase still works in this tradition using fine materials such as dyed silk and wool for his clothing line.
