山口伊太郎 Yamaguchi Itarou
Yamaguchi Itaro's greatest characteristic lies in his exceptional use of color.
In addition to traditional yuzen techniques, he mastered the techniques of gradation, blurring, and layering dyeing, creating a sense of depth and radiance in his kimonos that resemble works of art. His delicate dyeing, which changes color depending on how the light hits it, possesses a unique charm that is unlike that of other artists.
During the period of rapid economic growth, and amidst the thriving Nishijin textile industry, he expressed his desire not just for business success, but to pursue weaving techniques. At the age of 70, he began working on a "Genji Monogatari Emaki" (The Tale of Genji Picture Scroll) made of woven textiles. Initially, he planned to complete it in 10 years, aiming for completion within a lifetime of 80 years. However, driven by his unrelenting pursuit of perfection, the project took over 30 years.
In 2007, as he reached the final stages of his work, with all instructions for the last scroll completed and only the final piece awaiting completion, he passed away at the age of 105. The final volume of the "Genji Monogatari Nishiki-ori Emaki" was completed on March 3 of the following year.
Five-story Pagoda 五重の塔
[袋帯 Fukuro Obi]

Yamaguchi Itarou 山口伊太郎
※The Five-Story Pagoda has deep symbolic meaning in Japanese culture. It is often referred to as a “Gorin-tō” or “Five Elements Pagoda”, representing the five elements of earth, water, fire, wind, and void. This traditional architectural form is not only a symbol of Buddhism but also an embodiment of the relationship between nature and spirituality. The intricate design of the obi echoes this connection, symbolizing harmony between the physical and spiritual worlds. The pagoda motif is also a reflection of Japan’s reverence for nature, eternity, and the sacred.