Japanese Beauty for the World
Japan is home to four seasons and a rich natural environment unparalleled in the world in terms of variety and abundance.
Nature in Japan is sometimes gentle and especially harsh.
People living in such a land have naturally sharpened their sensibilities and created their own unique world.
Even the clothes used in daily life (kimonos) are often decorated to express the beauty of nature,
and can be said to represent the “universal beauty of Japan. "Saisei Craft" develops products that blend into modern lifestyles based on kimono fabrics, which are a symbol of Japanese culture.
We want to spread the world of beauty created by Japanese nature.
This is our wish.
Shiho Chisaki - 知崎 志保
Born in Aichi Prefecture.
She learned advanced techniques at a workshop that produced chairs for the Japanese imperial family.
In an attempt to preserve traditional Japanese techniques for future generations, she launched “Saisei Craft,” a company that reuses unused Kimono fabric and creates various products with innovative ideas.
Brand Story
I was born and raised in a family of craftsmen in Tokoname City,
Aichi,Japan a region famous for its pottery. My grandfather was a ceramic artist, and my parents ran a cultured marble workshop. Growing up surrounded by craftsmanship, I developed a deep appreciation for creating things. In particular, my mother’s love for sewing sparked my strong interest in fabrics, and I began to dream of creating something meaningful with them.
A turning point in my life came when I started working at a historic factory known for crafting sofas for Emperor Showa. The factory, which produced furniture for the Imperial Family, required an exceptionally high level of craftsmanship, and the experience greatly contributed to my growth as an artisan. However, during my time there, I discovered that most of the fabrics used for the sofas were imported. This made me question why Japan’s
traditional kimono fabrics—renowned for their exquisite beauty—were not being
utilized.
I had long been pained by the decline in kimono artisans and the decreasing presence of kimonos in daily life. Kimono is a symbol of Japan’s cultural heritage, and its disappearance feels akin to losing a part of our identity. With this belief in my heart, I made it my mission to incorporate kimono fabrics into interior design, creating vibrant and elegant pieces to
share their beauty with the world.
Kimono fabric is crafted from silk, a gift from silkworms, and embodies the unparalleled skill of artisans in weaving and dyeing. However, due to its delicate nature and the maintenance it requires, many people find it difficult to use as everyday clothing. Still, I am driven by the desire to bring the beauty and tradition of kimonos back into daily life. By transforming kimono fabric into interior design, I believe its elegance can enrich people's lives and bring happiness to people around the world.
I use deadstock kimono fabrics in my work. Each piece of fabric has its own unique story, with diverse patterns, textures, and characteristics.
My creative process revolves around finding the best way to showcase the beauty of each fabric, resulting in pieces that are truly one-of-a-kind. Since the same fabric can never be replicated, my creations embody the spirit of "一期一会"—a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. Every completed piece is like a child to me, cherished and deeply loved.
Like rescued cats or dogs, I breathe new life into these deadstock kimono fabrics, transforming them into interior pieces and connecting them with “new families.”
My mission is to ensure that each fabric finds a home where it will be loved and treasured for years to come. With this in mind, I craft every piece with the utmost care and dedication, hoping to bring joy and warmth to the spaces they adorn.