Silk marbling: a Japanese technique rediscovered | Hermès Footsteps Across The World

Droplets, waves and mountains… the etchings held prisoner in blocks of stone were the inspiration for the Japanese master bookbinders’ marbled paper.

Inkjet printing has transposed these effects to fabric, without ever equalling the delicacy and radiance of the patterns found by Hermès in an old album in the archives of its Lyon textile sector. 

After years of research, this technique of silk marbling using a compressed, through-colored starch paste was rediscovered in Kyoto. The Nose family is its custodian.

Directed by Frédéric Laffont.

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Welcome to the world of Hermès:
In 1837, Thierry Hermès opened his workshop making the finest quality harnesses and saddles in the heart of Paris.
Today, Hermès is still a family company whose craftspeople make, often by hand and always with love , bags and belts, diaries and dishes, scarves and shoes, perfumes and purses, ties and travelling furniture, as well as gloves, hats, watches, jewellery and clothes.

[randolf]

The translation in this video is incorrect. Her father did not import this technique from Germany. 'Her father exported this technique to Germany ' is the right translation.

[jadelee]

That is absolutely incredible. Please PLEASE keep this family well funded so they can continue this trade. This artform must not be lost

[doodletime]

I am glad the son is also invested in learning the trade instead of leaving home to become an office worker. In fact, the whole family sticks together despite the years of hardship. It's very heartening.

[georginar]

I was a textile designer for many many years and no one acknowledged me as a designer, even though I was behind many designs that made the companies lots of money. I always kept my mind on the fact that through my designs many people were being employed, their families and also the community. It made me feel good about that. I was'nt paid a lot but it always disappointed me that my name was not printed on the selvedge of the cloth. So, its generous of Hermes to post this. The main reason that my name and countless other designers were not mentioned...ever. was because of competitors. If they liked the look they could approach us and try to get us to design fabrics similar
to the one I had designed - which was always successful. I applaud Hermes for supporting these people and showing their work on youtube and acknowledging their amazing work. They are a national treasure indeed. :)

[junesunshine]

I am from Kyoto and own two Hermès scarves but never knew that a family in my hometown is now producing some of Hermès silks! Kyoto is known for its traditional silk textile industry. The industry declined from its peak in the 1950s but sees a slow come back.

[bellasadar]

Japan is one of the most computerized country but also one which values artisans the most.

[mchan]

this is what I want from fashion houses. Not just to get an idea from a culture and run with it. But taking the time to understand the technical process and history, and showcasing the place it came from👍👍👍

[polodubhthaigh]

Stunning! Their pure joy when they saw the prints from the 30's touched me, and when she runs to pull out an equivalent print that they had made! Their passion shines through. I hope that they do well out of this. The Japanese are masters of tradition!

[fionnafaye]

Sooo did they hire them? It would be so disappointing to have Hermes steal their technique then profit millions off of it without any compensation

[Sfb]

I’m glad there are people keeping traditional artforms and techniques alive to this day.

[karenyu]

That’s just WOW!!! The technique is magical and a lot of love. Hermes did great in honoring the authenticiticity of the process. Indeed, any ink-jet printing can never duplicate the soulfulness of Japanese craftsmanship!

[luna]

I like how the son takes pride in his family's heritage

[amzanz]

That’s why Japanese are the best in a lot of ways especially when it comes to craftsmanship because they do not compete with others but with themselves.

[DiAn-xgtm]

I can't believe I watched this video crying. This is so pretty and the story behind is incomparable.

[men_del]

"I hope to reach the challange and reach for the infinite".
Best quote ever.

[jeanneluddeni]

Oh my goodness such beauty to die for gorgeous silks and designs

[nikkireign]

Absolutely magical. I hope the artists and techniques are never lost to new age technology.

[afarhan]

Masters of their craft. These people show us how to live.

[chinigirlX]

Hermes better hire them and not steal their technique ☝🏻 😒

[angusdraffan]

Thankyou Hermes for commissioning and publicising this amazing family's work! I imagine one of the greatest joys for artisans is having their work recognised and purchased.