“Mountain Folds” Japanese Noren Hanging
This is made-to-order item. It takes about 5-6 months for production time by craftsman in Shimane, Japan.
Size: 900 × 1500 mm (35.4” × 59”)
Material: Indian cotton
Handmade in Japan using traditional indigo dyeing techniques
Background
Noren (暖簾) are Japanese fabric hanging dividers, used to gently define borders between rooms and spaces. By using vertical slits and keeping empty space below the fabric, the scene beyond is partially visible, encouraging passage.
Noren are traditionally used in homes to protect from the elements and provide shade in summer and as entrance curtains to shops and restaurants. Today, noren are also displayed as beautiful artworks.
Our noren are hand dyed by the Nagata dyeing house in Izumo, Japan. Shigenobu and Masao Nagata — fourth and fifth generation father and son craftsmen are one of only a few remaining natural indigo dye houses in all of Japan.
Process
The noren are dyed using a process called ‘tsutsugaki’. Rice is steamed for over a week to create a glutinous resist paste. Shigenobu then applies the paste by hand to define the areas into which the dye will not penetrate, creating the beautiful white contrast against the indigo.
Before the dyeing can begin, indigo is fermented for two to three weeks. The fabric is immersed in the bath for up to twelve times and dried between dips. The longer the fabric is immersed, the darker the color, and by controlling the depth to which the fabric is dipped, rich gradations of indigo can be created.
After dyeing, the fabric is washed by hand in the nearby Takase River and finally hung on a bamboo pole to dry. The total process takes around three months to complete.
Design Concept (by Hannah Waldron)
“This work has its origins in the sight of mountains appearing tissue paper thin, unfolding and receding into the distance on a misty morning whilst cycling in the Echigo Tsumari region of Japan. I was cycling around the Art Field Triennale visiting artworks nestled in the landscape, which is symbolised here with the red square. I was also intrigued about the tsutsugaki process and designed patterns that I thought would make an interesting translation in the hands of the master craftsmen at the tsutsugaki workshop. Similarly with the gradient I was keen to see how they would work with the traditional indigo-dyeing dipping process to achieve the ombré.”
Read more in Hannah’s blog post or see more photos in our blog post (Japanese)
- How to Use
- Gallery
- Shipping & Returns
Furoshiki are the original multi-use textile. The Japanese have been using them to wrap things since the 17th century but today they’re worn as chic scarves, carried as lightweight bags and displayed as works of art.
Wear your furoshiki
Our contemporary designs give a modern edge to the traditional furoshiki, and look stunning as a scarf. Each design is printed by hand onto premium cotton giving a soft feel and elegant drape, then the edges are carefully hand rolled and sewn. Furoshiki scarf gallery
Turn it into a bag
You can easily convert your furoshiki into a simple shoulder bag with one of our handmade straps — ideal for lightweight travels, or in those unexpected moments when you need an extra bag.
Just thread the corners of the furoshiki through the metal buckles of the strap, pull to tighten and you're done. They don’t damage the fabric so you can easily switch between using your furoshiki as a scarf or a bag. See all our bag sets here
Hang it in the home
Turn your furoshiki into a beautiful artwork by hanging it with our display pole.
The wooden construction sandwiches the furoshiki into poles at the top and bottom, gently pulling the furoshiki flat and creating a simple display for the furoshiki. Learn more about the display pole
Learn how to wrap
The Japanese have perfected the art of wrapping furoshiki over 400 years. You can use one of the many traditional techniques to elegantly wrap anything from books to bottles and make any gift extra special. See our wrapping guide
Why multi-use matters
We’re reluctant to use the term “eco-friendly” as making any product consumes resources. But the great thing about furoshiki is that they can be used in so many ways; they spend less time in your closet, and more time in use.
That’s not going to save the planet, but it’s a better use of resources and helps you declutter your life a little bit too.
Handmade in Japan
We believe Japanese craftsmanship is second to none. That’s why all our furoshiki are hand-printed and sewn in Japan by a family-owned business with over 50 years experience in furoshiki production. See our furoshiki being made here
By collaborating with international artists and designers, we aim to cross cultures and generations by creating beautiful, functional products that merge contemporary design with traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Learn more about the story behind Link
Details matter. We carefully hand wrap and ship all products from Japan to reach you looking beautiful, wherever you are in the world.
Standard international shipping
Packages are sent by airmail and take about 6–10 working days to arrive in most countries (it may take a little longer in the holiday season).
A note about import taxes
Each country operates its own rules on taxing imported goods. Occasionally packages are held at the customer’s country until this duty is paid. In this case it’s up to you to pay the fee, or the package will be sent back to us. However most shipments seem to arrive without any problems or extra cost. If you have any questions, please email us at info@linkcollective.com
Returns & Exchanges
You can return your product unused and in the same condition that you received it in for a full refund or exchange within 30 days of the purchase date. If 30 days have gone by since your purchase, unfortunately we can’t offer you a refund or exchange.
Please contact us at info@linkcollective.com before sending your product.
Note: You are responsible for paying for return shipping costs. Return shipping costs are non-refundable.
Exchanges
We’re happy to exchange unused products but you’re responsible for the cost of returning your product to us. We will pay the shipping cost of sending the new product to you. Please email us before sending your product to confirm the availability of the product for which you would like to exchange.