Centuries ago, fabric was a rare and precious commodity only the wealthy could afford. So people treasured old and worn-out pieces of clothing to recycle and reuse in order to make new clothes. Thus the sakiori was born.
Sakiori comes from the word "saki" which means to tear up or rip and "ori" which means weave. Recycling old fabric remnants into sakiori weavings follows the Japanese indispensable concept of “mottainai” or not wasting precious cloth that can prolong the fabric’s useful life through recycling and reuse.
Weaving all these remnants of fabric was immensely hard work back then, however very rewarding and worth the effort as clothing made from repurposed cotton was vastly warmer, softer, and more durable than the rough linens that could be made from Japan’s natural fibers.
Sakiori was mostly used to make rugs and covers, but also clothes - mostly jackets and vests. Today, the technique is experiencing a resurgence as a "green", ethical and economical art form.
Sources I used to write this post: Sakiori History, Sakiori Weaving, Sakiori Bag.
Very nice to know the origins of sakiori weaving. My roommate in university used to do this and gave me a small necklace pendant as memento. :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely memento you have! I've tried weaving a small pendant and I think I have it posted here on the blog, but mine is made with yarn. I would love making a necklace with this technique though.
DeleteThank you for sharing the story behind the SaKiori technique. We have something very similar , called 'kourelou' . The reason for its existence and creation is similar to the Sakiori.
ReplyDeleteI am sure similar (if not the same) techiniques spread ove different cultures and civilizations for the same reasons. Thank you for stopping by Tina!
DeleteWhat a lovely post. I can remember doing several projects like this in Art school. Once we did weaving between tree branches which made fabulous wall hangings....very creative. Hugs, Sandi
ReplyDeleteThank you Sandi! We made weaved scarves in Home economics classes, using yarn. But using /recycling/repurpusing fabric to make wall hangings is such a splendid idea! Hugs!
DeleteInformative post. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYes, weaving with fabric has a global resurgence and several designers in India are doing it as well. Infact, it is now considered as a luxury product.
ReplyDeleteMaya, this is SO beautiful - thank you SO much for sharing your creativity at Inspire Me Monday at Create With Joy! I'm SO excited to feature you at this week’s party (#480). Have a wonderful Easter week! :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is so pretty, Maya! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!
ReplyDeleteIt's always interesting to see older ideas and techniques coming back. This is really beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI've been a weaver for a long time and love the sakiori I've been seeing lately. I think I need a trip to my favorite thrift store to gather some colorful fabric (clothes) for a sariori woven project.Thanks for the history.
ReplyDeleteAnn Schlabach