KAZARO

BRAND STORY

"1300years of history"

KAZARO is a pocket square brand that emerged from “Shibori Zome” which originates in Kyoto, a traditional crafting that use sophisticated technique that was developed through its 1300 years of history. “Shibori Zome” is said to be found in India around B.C 500. It made its path to Japan in Nara period. Its beauty has been painted into Ukiyoe by such artists as Katsushika Hokusai and Ando Hiroshige and has been loved by many people but, there are only few producing areas today. This valuable traditional craft is developed into KAZARO.

"A flower fascinating celebrities"

As you can see, KAZARO is not usual pocket square that you may be accustomed to. Its elegance, sexiness and appearance that could be mistaken as a natural flower, is made possible by state of the art handcraft skill. Additionally, it is astonishingly easy to wear- no need to be folded, or have second thoughts how it should be worn. Just pick it up and stuff it in your pocket. There’s no question regarding why some of the celebs are into KAZARO pocket squares.

"Three gods on your heart"

Anciently, Japanese has personated, and expressed nature and matter by different colors. The colors used for KAZARO’s package box has meanings. Red, black, and white are the colors that have been existed since primitive age.

Red resembles Life and AMATERASU, the god of the Sun. Black resembles Darkness and TSUKUYOMI, the god of the Moon. White resembles Light and SUSANOO, the god of the sea. By wearing KAZARO, those gods might protect you from top of your heart. May there be happiness by brought out from god by wearing KAZARO.

PRODUCTS

Price : 8,700 JPY
Material : 100% silk
Size : approximately 15 x 18 cm

HISTORY of SHIBORI

“Shibori” is the noun form of the Japanese verb “Shiboru” meaning “squeeze”. The “Shibori-zome” and the “Shibori” refer to the technique used to dye textiles which is called “tie-dye” in English. After bounding the cloth with thread several times, it is stitched and dipped in dyes. The non-dyed parts have a beautiful color gradation as if it is painted by hand, and a very unique three dimensional form appears.

The origin of the technique is said to be India in the fifth century B.C., and has been found in many parts of the world including China, Africa, Central Asia and Peru.
“Shibori” is said to be the oldest dyeing technique in Japan, which features frequently in the “Ukiyoe (Japanese painting)” of Ando Hiroshige and Katsushika Hokusai of Edo period. The technique, which came from China around the seventh century, was mentioned in “Nihon-shoki” Manyoshu, the Pillow Book (Makura no Soshi) and the Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari).
In the Heian period, it flourished and produced the costumes for the aristocratic class, who used their luxurious garments as a display of their wealth and power.

Since then, over 100 kinds of “Shibori” techniques have been developed in Japan.
“Shibori” developed in Oita Prefecture, Kumamoto Prefecture and Aichi Prefecture besides Kyoto, however, only Kyoto and Nagoya are still active in producing textiles today.