Botanical Dyed Ties

Grapes and tea preparation with text

 

Across Japan, locally made products rooted in rich natural surroundings have been cherished for generations. Botanical dyeing is a sustainable practice that gives new life to waste materials produced during the manufacturing process by repurposing them as natural dyes.

By blending this eco-conscious approach with Japan’s world-renowned craftsmanship and traditional artisanal techniques, we aim to create new value.

This time, we present a tie dyed using botanical dye extracted from grapes cultivated at a local winery in Fukuoka. The tie features the Kenjo-gara pattern — a traditional motif symbolic of Hakata-ori, a celebrated textile craft from Hakata, Fukuoka.

This piece is woven with the richness of regional culture and a deep commitment to ethical craftsmanship.

 

Collaboration with Two Traditional Weaving Companies

A person in traditional attire working in a dimly lit room.

Nishimura Textiles
With roots tracing back to silk thread merchants in Japan’s Warring States period, Nishimura is the oldest Hakata-ori weaving house, boasting a rich legacy of craftsmanship and tradition. Specializing in kimono obi (sashes), the company is known for its uncompromising attention to detail — from the selection of raw silk threads to the intricate colors and patterns — all produced entirely in-house to ensure the highest level of quality and elegance.

Hakata obi are renowned for their tightly woven, durable structure. Once tied, they hold firmly in place and emit a distinctive “kyu-kyu” sound — a soft creak of silk — a mark of truly refined quality. Nishimura continues to produce masterpieces that reflect its sincere dedication to craftsmanship.

In recent years, the company has also begun exploring new creative avenues, applying its time-honored techniques to contemporary art and expanding the possibilities of woven textiles.

Building entrance and close-up of hands working with wood.
Bunches of dark grapes hanging on vines in a vineyard.

A Winery Rooted in Nature – Asakura, Fukuoka
Nestled in the lush natural surroundings of Asakura City, Fukuoka, this winery was established in 2021. Every bottle of wine crafted here is made using 100% locally grown grapes, nurtured by the unique climate and terroir of Asakura.

The winemaking process is a careful, time-honored pursuit — one that brings out the full character of the grapes while blending seamlessly with the rhythms of the local environment. It’s a true expression of artisanal craftsmanship in harmony with nature.

As a small-scale winery, they are able to maintain an unwavering focus on quality — meticulously selecting ingredients and crafting each wine with care. Each glass captures the breath of Asakura’s landscape, delivering a deeply personal and moving experience to those who taste it.

Distillery interior with barrels and distillation equipment.

PRODUCT

- Products that have blended in and been reborn

Three blue ties with patterns, two rolled and one flat.
Navy tie with small patterned designs, laid next to a white shirt.

PATTERNS

- Design incorporating traditional patterns

Close-up of a blue tie with patterned stripes.
Close-up of a patterned blue tie with pink and silver stripes.

A graceful and elegant design inspired by grapes swaying in the wind. The fabric base features the traditional "Hana-zara" pattern from Hakata weaving. Hana-zara represents a vessel with floral motifs, such as the Chinese floral pattern, used during memorial ceremonies for scattering flowers. It symbolizes purification and protection from misfortune.

A design where the grape fruits transform into a striped pattern, inspired by the traditional Hakata weaving pattern "Oyako-ami" (Parent-Child Weave). It represents the protection between parent and child, with each guarding the other. The fabric features "Nanako-ori" (Fish Egg Weave), with delicate threads reminiscent of fish eggs, symbolizing a wish for prosperity and the flourishing of descendants. This piece resonates with the concepts of "bond" and "tea prosperity," embodying deep meaning and intention.

A sophisticated yet modern piece combining a grape pattern inspired by the diamond motif with the traditional Hakata weaving pattern "Komochi" (Parent-Child). The design, where the parent embraces the child, symbolizes a deep bond. "Komochi" is a classic motif passed down through generations of Hakata weaving. The subtle shadows created by the orderly box pattern weave evoke an elegant and refined expression.

COLORS

- Timeless Colors Handed Down Through Tradition

薄灰桜
Text in Japanese:
A color swatch with the text
A minimalist design featuring Japanese text and soft color contrast.
Text in Japanese:
Text in Japanese:

Light Gray Cherry Blossom

Faded Red

Grape Color

Faded Tone

Chinese Brown

Straw Color

This piece features traditional Japanese colors inspired by nature and the changing seasons. From soft shades like Usugai-zakura (Light Gray Cherry Blossom) to deeper tones such as Boke-iro (Hazy Hue) and Karacha (Tang Brown), a total of seven colors are woven seamlessly into the pattern.

Each necktie incorporates a unique combination of three of these traditional colors, offering a distinct expression and a sense of depth in every design.