About
4th generation YU HATORI
四代目 羽鳥 由有
A graduate of Japan Women’s University in Mejiro, Tokyo in Clothing History and Textiles, great-granddaughter of Kinu Kameda, the founder of Hyakka Company in 1927, Yu Hatori took the business over as the 4th generation of the family. Within Hyakka, Yu launched a new brand, Yujinart. As Kinu transitioned her traditional Japanese-doll making company to a provider of doll-making-material-kit, Yu needed to make yet another big business strategy change. Yujinart to be a provider of vintage Nishijin brocades, not only for traditional applications but also to be applied to interior decorating, modern/western apparel industries, decorative/applied arts and crafts, applications of which are limitless.
Inheriting her great-grandmother’s Nishijin-ori brocade inventory/collections of over 100 years, one-of-a-kind, nowhere else to be found brocades. Partnering/collaborating with artisans, designers and creators worldwide to infuse modernity with Nishijin-ori brocade products, and to preserve the tradition of these magnificent brocades’ use. Nishijin-ori brocades which were intended for kimonos and their obis/sashes/belts to be applied for cushions, framed canvas to paint on, or used as delicate fabrics for outstanding fashion or interior design anywhere in everyday living. Every yard/meter of Nishijin-ori brocade, whether vintage or specially commissioned, will be a perfect and authentic addition to any project and ambience.
Yu Hatori
Hyakka / 百華 人形
In the face of Japan’s industrialization and the preference for mass production of standardized items, women upheld the ancient craft of Nishijin-ori with pride. Hyakka was founded by one of these amazing women Kinu Kameda in 1927 in Asakusa district of the "new" capital, Tokyo. Hyakka means “a hundred flowers” 百/hyaku/hundred and 華 /ka/flower. Hyakka, originally started as the producer of Japanese kimekomi dolls, and mastering it to its highest-quality products, Kinu changed her company’s business strategy from an in-house traditional Japanese doll making to a designer of unique dolls and a provider of the doll-making-material-kit to over 1000 doll maker artisans throughout Japan. The kits include the most delicate dolls’ head with quality face expressions, the base-body, several high-quality brocades and the assembly instructions.
To be the best provider in the field, the founder started collecting the best of Kyoto Nishinjin-ori brocades. That brings to today, owning one of the biggest collectors of high-quality vintage Nishinjin-ori brocades.
GOOD THINGS WILL BECOME A PART OF life… AND BECOME A tradition.
Story of Nishijin
Japan is a fascinating country, with its unique civilization. One of the countries to manage, preserve and keep alive ancestral traditions, arts and crafts, in many fields. Many have heard of origami, ikebana, tea ceremony, Zen, bushido, kabuki, noh, kimono, sake, geisha, just to name a few. The resilience and widespread recognition of Japanese art forms probably come from Japanese unique search for perfection combined with the ability to see and create beauty in all things.
Weaving techniques were introduced to Japan around the Yayoi period (300 BCE to 300 CE), and textile manufacturing in Kyoto area is documented from the 5th century, even before the construction of Heian-kyo (the previous name of Kyoto) by Emperor Kanmu.
Nishijin-ori brocades, Japanese Jacquard type brocades feature highly complex patterns – including intricate designs, motifs and textures, all woven directly into the textile while it’s being weaved – have been used for more than 1200 years.
In ancient Japan, warfare played a significant role in shaping the country's history and societal structures. From the early periods of clan conflicts to the emergence of centralized authority, war was a constant feature of Japanese life. Battles were often fought over territory, resources, and political power, and they influenced the rise and fall of various ruling families and factions.
Pivotal conflicts like the Genpei War (1180-1185) led to the rise of Samurai Rule, and another war, the Onin War (1467-1477) is at the origin of brocade weaving. When this war ended, textile craftsmen returned to the west part of Kyoto, why the brocade is referred, “nishi/west and jin/territory”. Since then, Nishijin-ori weavers have tirelessly continued their craft, showcasing tremendous dedication, effort, originality to create beauty, blending technology with tradition and creativity.
In recognition of over 1200 years of unbroken history, Nishijin-ori was formally recognized as ‘National Traditional Craft’ on February 26, 1976.
WE WILL CONTINUE TO EXPRESS THE color AND elegance OF JAPAN.
Kimekomi-doll
Kimekomi dolls are traditional Japanese dolls made by mixing paulownia wood powder and rice flour. Their most distinctive feature lies in the "kimekomi" technique, where fabric is carefully pressed into grooves on a carved wooden body. This technique creates a unique texture and exquisite finish.
The facial expressions (men-so) are hand-painted one by one, characterized by delicate and warm features. Skilled artisans painstakingly paint each doll, giving each one a distinct personality, even if they are the same type of doll.
The costumes are made from high-quality textiles such as Nishijin brocade and Yuzen dyeing, and each outfit is meticulously tailored. The beautiful patterns and colors of the fabric create a vibrant and elegant appearance.
Kimekomi dolls are often displayed during seasonal festivals and celebrations, particularly as Hina dolls (for Girls' Day) and Goyō dolls (warrior dolls for Boys' Day). The Hina dolls, in particular, hold significant importance as they symbolize wishes for the healthy growth of girls.
Japanese traditional crafts have inherited techniques and aesthetic sensibilities developed over a long history, connecting the past to the present. Kimekomi dolls continue to be cherished by many as a cultural treasure that conveys this value into the future.
