Gujo Tsumugi, Yuki Tsumugi

The unique surface textures shown in our signature products, "GUJO", "YUKI", "JYU", and others, are produced by the inventive techniques of SHINKO STUDIO.

One day a designer of SHINKO STUDIO, stopped by a kimono shop and the lady of the shop gave her a piece of fabric, Gujo Tsumugi. The precious piece of fabric inspired her. She then showed the fabric to an artisan at the studio and asked him to reproduce the texture. After many trials and errors, the artisan discovered an innovative technique that involved penetrating wax into the fabric, placing the fabric on the model of a ring and casting the actual metal into a mold. He was then able to create a ring that had the texture of Gujo Tsumugi. Through these processes our signature "GUJO" ring was born. Each ring has a slightly different look because we use a new piece of fabric at the beginning of each process, making each piece a one-of-a-kind.

The "YUKI" ring is also made using the same technique as "GUJO," though YUKI has a slightly rougher surface than GUJO because of the fabric's character.

Gujo Tsumugi (pongee):

A fabric woven by the traditional skills called "Gujo Ori" that has descended in Gujo Hachiman area, an ancient castle town with clear streams. Gujo Tsumugi was originated by the outcast Heike Clan when they settled here more than 800 years ago. They started weaving "tsumugi" by spinning from wild cocoons with their aesthetic sensibility developed in Kyoto city where they used to live. Gujo Tsumugi, known by a mixed character of urban sophistication and provincial simplicity, started to fall in gradual decline in the Edo period. It has continued to be produced as a frugal cottage industry by farmers.

Yuki Tsumugi (pongee):

Fine silk fabric, produced in Ibaraki and Tochigi prefectures, is designated as an "Important Intangible Cultural Property." Originally Yuki Tsumugi was characterized as a firm and durable fabric but now is known as a light and delicate one using very thin threads for intricate patterns. Through technical innovation, Yuki Tsumugi has been recognized as the highest quality silk fabric with tiny crosses and fine striped patterns.