Crystal Oshima
Oshima Tsumugi silk’s origins date back some 1300 years on Amami Island making it the oldest textile art with a continuous tradition. The unique dyeing technique still used today of dipping the threads in iron-rich natural mud exclusive to Amami is based on methods dating to the year 661. Eight generations of the Hajime family on the Island have carried on the tradition of making Oshima Tsumugi, a silk textile that originated primarily for the kimono. As fewer Japanese are wearing kimonos the weaving of Oshima Tsumugi has been in decline.Today the younger generations of the Hajime family are following the path of honoring their island and keeping the tradition of Oshima Tsumugi while also seeking inovation. Crystal Oshima is one of these innovations. Made by encasing Oshima Tsumugi textiles between crystal and the silk’s intricate design and colors are magnified. The paperweight? A beautiful accent on your desk or placed to complete a vignette in your home. The dishes? Good for anything you desire. Crystal Oshima is the perfect marriage of old and new.