Explore beauty of Ise Momen
Have you ever heard of the exquisite fabric known as Ise Momen? Let's delve into the beauty and history of this traditional Japanese textile.
What is Ise Momen?
Ise Momen is a type of cotton fabric that has been produced in the Ise region of Japan for centuries. Known for its durability and versatility, Ise Momen is a tightly woven textile that is both strong and soft to the touch.
The History of Ise Momen
The region once known as Ise Province became a major cotton-producing area after cotton seeds were introduced during the Muromachi period. The area’s fertile soil, abundant water, suitable climate, and access to fish-based fertilizer - especially sardines during winter - created ideal conditions for cotton cultivation.
What began as a side business for local farmers gradually developed into a thriving industry. Thanks to the efforts of Ise merchants, cotton products from the region were transported and sold as far as Edo (present-day Tokyo). The cotton from Ise became known as “Ise Momen,” a name that is still recognised across Japan today.
Today, Ise Momen is a rare and valuable fabric produced exclusively by Usui Shokufu a local company that continues to uphold the time-honoured traditions of this historic textile.
Characteristics of Ise Momen
Ise Momen continues to be cherished by many for its soft texture, traditional colours, patterns, and rich character that have stood the test of time.
While the basic patterns of cotton textiles - mainly stripes and checks - remain consistent across regions and eras, what truly defines each fabric is the yarn and dyeing techniques. Even slight variations in the type or thickness of yarn can dramatically change the texture and feel of the finished cloth.
Ise Momen uses tanshi - a single-ply yarn considered the most basic type. However, this yarn is fragile and very difficult to weave. Only high-quality cotton can be used to produce tanshi that’s strong enough for weaving.
To craft Ise Momen with such carefully selected single-ply yarn, century-old Toyota looms - dating back over 100 years—are still in use today. These vintage machines are a vital part of preserving the authenticity and craftsmanship of this remarkable fabric.
Here are Some Pictures from Our Visit
When you open the sliding door of the traditional townhouse you will see an old fashioned shop space and earthen storehouse where finished rolls are stored. An earthen floor guides you to the back part of the house.
After you walk along the narrow house to the back you will see the bobbins with colourful threads and see the warping process; setting the warp and weft from this back room you will hear the weaving sound, about a dozen or so Toyota weaving looms, which have been used since the Meiji period (19th century), are producing colourful Ise Momen textiles with stripes and check patterns. When you hear the loom sounds you might imagine a modern, automatic production, but their looms are over one hundred years old.
Ise Momen is woven on rare, traditional automatic looms that preserve its original soft texture. It takes a full day to weave just one 13-meter bolt. Modern high-speed looms can't be used, as the delicate single-ply yarn would break under the tension. This slow, careful process is what makes Ise Momen truly special.
Staff members stay beside the looms to watch the thread tension and the weaving process. Often adjustments are needed to be done by hand where the shuttle passes. This is very important in making high quality textiles. Located at the edge of this quiet town, Ise Momen is produced every day.
Finally, here is a commemorative photo with President Usui.
It is an honour for us to be entrusted with such a precious textile as Ise Momen.
We are excited to introduce our original products made with Ise Momen, as well as items from Ise Momen themselves, to people in the UK.
