Nurtured by the Sound of Weaving｜Okamoto Orimono’s Cooperative Workshop in Kyōtango – Nunohira
About Nishijin Okamoto
Dedicated to the “Kinran” technique of Nishijin brocade
Nishijin Okamoto was established in 1909.
In the four generations and over 100 years since then, we have woven Kinran textiles for shrines and temples around Japan, with vivid colors and glittering gold thread evoking images of nirvana.
Nishijin Okamoto is universally renowned for its unique “Kinran” technique, in which hand looms and power looms are used to produce the inimitable luster of silk and the full texture we prize.
As society changes in each new era, we are looking to the future as we work to fulfill our three missions: “bringing a touch of glimmering beauty in people’s daily lives,” “developing and passing on the ‘Kinran’ technique we have maintained for over 1,000 years,” and “continuously pursuing more luxurious silks.”
Nishijin Okamoto uses hand looms or power looms, depending on the nature of the product. Tried-and-true techniques are used to get the most from the lustrous colors of the silk and the glimmering gold and silver.
・With our hand looms, the reed is beaten by hand with each weft, creating subtle variance so that no two pieces look completely alike. Only around 30cm can be woven each day.
・Our power looms weave the silk in a circular motion, for fast, uniform work. Around 1-10m can be woven per day depending on the type of product.
In both cases, Nishijin Okamoto uses old looms with a shuttle to achieve that characteristic “fullness” in the texture.
Nishijin brocade is made through a series of small processes, each handled by a different craftsman. At Nishijin Okamoto, as is common in this field, the craftsmen in charge of each process work closely together during their daily work to achieve even greater quality in the textiles we provide.
Alongside our handcrafters, who are passing on traditional techniques under the qualification of Master of Traditional Crafts, we have a wealth of other craftsmen whose passionate work on Nishijin brocade is vital in our daily work.
“Our customers’ trust in our skills makes me happy.”
Tadao Okamoto
Former traditional craftsman
Born in 1942. Father of Keiji, President. In 2011, he was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Silver Rays for his contribution to Nishijin textiles. He is a former traditional craftsman.
“We adapt our methods as we make the product and there’s a sense of satisfaction when the pattern fits together perfectly.”
Mitsuo Okamoto
Traditional Craftsman
Born in 1947, he is the younger brother of Tadao (the fourth of six brothers). He was awarded the Order of Merit for Services to Traditional Industries for his contributions to Nishijin textiles in 2014 and the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Silver Rays in 2023.
“Searching for a new version of the Kinran technique to pave the way for Nishijin’s future”
Keiji Okamoto
(Chief Executive Officer) Traditional Craftsman
Born in 1972 as the eldest son of Tadao. After graduating from an art college in Tokyo, he joined the family business with his partner Ema (now the managing director).
“I left another industry to become a craftsman. The first thing I learned was not to let the thread defeat me.”
Keita Okamoto
(Executive Vice President) Craftsman
Born in 1976, he is Mitsuo’s son. Although he is the youngest of the Nishijin Okamoto weavers, he has more than 18 years of experience. He also manages the progress of the Tango factory.