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.
Gold Leaf: Hundred Years of Longevity Pattern
本金箔 百寿文
[袋帯 Fukuro Obi]

Yamaguchi Itarou 山口伊太郎
※"Honkimpaku Hyakujumon" (本金箔 百寿文) is a fukuro-obi by the renowned textile artist Yamaguchi Itaro, celebrated for his exceptional weaving techniques and sophisticated designs. This obi features the Hyakujumon (百寿文) motif, which consists of one hundred variations of the kanji character for "longevity" (寿, ju), symbolizing prosperity, good fortune, and long life. Enhanced with pure gold leaf (honkimpaku, 本金箔), the obi radiates elegance, auspicious energy, and timeless beauty.