Hamamonyo | Japanese Craftsmanship
The art of Yokohama Nassen: our partner workshop Hamamonyo
Behind the intricate patterns of our textiles lies a deeply rooted Japanese tradition. We work closely with the renowned Case Corporation and its brand Hamamonyo, based in the port city of Yokohama. Since its founding in 1948, the workshop has devoted itself to perfecting textile printing.
Its world-famous technique, Yokohama Nassen (stencil dyeing), first emerged when traditional woodblock-print artists transferred their skills to textiles.
The material: exclusive "Wakaba" cotton
Rather than relying on industrial mass-produced fabric, Hamamonyo uses an exclusively developed cloth called "Wakaba".
- Japanese yarn: Only domestically spun yarns are used, to guarantee the highest tensile strength and purity.
- Unhurried production: The looms run deliberately slowly. It takes around 10 minutes of machine time to weave the raw material for a single Tenugui. This slow production minimises stress on the cotton fibres and prevents structural damage.
The finishing: ECO bleaching for pure cleanliness
Before any colour comes into play, the fabric is gently cleaned over several days in a traditional Wazarashi process.
- Natural and gentle: Hamamonyo relies on an innovative "ECO bleaching" method that avoids harsh chlorine bleaches.
- Skin-friendly: The fabric keeps a warm, natural ivory tone and is completely free of aggressive chemical residues – ideal for sensitive skin.
The making: hand printing across 25 metres
The printing itself is masterful handwork. The reactive dyes bond chemically with the fibre, which guarantees the products' exceptional wash-fastness.
- Precision by hand: Experienced artisans guide the heavy frames manually across 25-metre-long printing tables, pressing the colour through the screen with a squeegee.
- Layer by layer: For multi-coloured designs, each colour must be applied and dried individually. A high-temperature steaming process then fixes the colours deep within the fibre.
The design: tradition meets "Asobi-gokoro"
Hamamonyo is famous for its Asobi-gokoro (playful spirit). The designs combine traditional symbolism with modern, often humorous design. This spirit of innovation has been recognised, among others, with the prestigious "Omotenashi Selection" Award.