How was it made? Japanese hikihaku obi | V&A

Nishijin-ori textiles are known for their exquisite detail, and have been made in the Nishijin area of Kyoto, Japan for over 1,200 years. Follow the intricate process involved in creating obi (the sash worn with traditional Japanese clothing), using a specialised technique called hikihaku – weaving with precious metallic thread. From the making of the thread itself, to the weaving on the loom, watch as three obi are made in the workshops of Kondaya Genbei – one from silver foil, one from mother of pearl, and one from the semi-precious stone, lapis lazuli. Processes: Silver foil obi: 1:26 Mother of pearl obi: 4:17 Lapis lazuli obi: 6:35 Find out more in our Japan Collection: Read more in our book ’Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk’: