Hikihaku adds sparkle to nishijin-ori textiles, one of Kyoto’s traditional industries. We treat the surface with foil with the idea of connecting its incomparable beauty with next-generation manufacturing. Foil comes in a variety of colors, from the gold and silver used in hikihaku to sulfur-colored burnished foil, and when these are combined, the expressive possibilities become unlimited. Here, the colors express the functionality of the testing instrument in colors reminiscent of water and air. Because of the slits and other complicated shapes on the panels, care has been taken during the work to ensure that the foil patterns do not appear unnatural.
Nishimura Shouten Naoki Nishimura
The company has continued to manufacture gold thread at Nishijin, Kyoto, since its founding in 1924. We will continue to convey the appeal of hikihaku and the many ways it sparkles to people in both Japan and overseas.