yusuke seki and majotae release taima-fu in floating, luminescent exhibit
photo © kenta hasegawa

 

 

 

tokyo-based brand majotae releases fabric brand, ‘taima-fu’, with exhibition by designer yusuke seki. the show reflects on the historical rituals of hemp and its modern day textile interpretations. clusters of tall, thin poles influenced by white wheat fields delicately hold the pieces randomly set throughout the space. fabric quietly floats in the air, and natural lighting gives each piece a luminescent glow. 

yusuke seki and majotae release taima-fu in floating, luminescent exhibit - 2
displays were inspired by white wheat fields
photo © kenta hasegawa

 

 

 

the entrance explains the cultural and historical context of hempen textile production from the jomon period–12,000 B.C.–which acts as an introduction to majotae’s own approach to hempen textile. the calm, serene environment aids visitors in looking at the material with an open mind and exploring the history behind a forgotten tradition.

 

 

introducing ‘taima-fu’
video © majotae 

 

 

 

cannabis, from which hemp is derived, is an integral part of japanese culture. traditionally it’s been used not only in fabric, but in agriculture, farming, and religious ceremonies. after world war II the cannabis control act was put into effect, which strictly regulated its use. until recently, it has largely been absent in the lives of japanese people. majotae, along with seki, is attempting to bring the long-established textile back into the modern conscious.

yusuke seki and majotae release taima-fu in floating, luminescent exhibit - 3
visitors are free to interact with the pieces
photo © kenta hasegawa

yusuke seki and majotae release taima-fu in floating, luminescent exhibit - 4
natural lighting and floating displays give fabric an otherworldly feel
photo © kenta hasegawa

yusuke seki and majotae release taima-fu in floating, luminescent exhibit - 5
hemp has been used in japan for over 10,000 years
photo © kenta hasegawa

yusuke seki and majotae release taima-fu in floating, luminescent exhibit - 6
detail of displays
photo © kenta hasegawa

yusuke seki and majotae release taima-fu in floating, luminescent exhibit - 7light shines through the soft, resilient ‘taima-fu’ fabric
photo © kenta hasegawa

yusuke seki and majotae release taima-fu in floating, luminescent exhibit - 8before treatment hemp is a coarse, hard material
photo © kenta hasegawa

yusuke seki and majotae release taima-fu in floating, luminescent exhibit - 9a piece of fabric floats in the exhibit space 
photo © kenta hasegawa

yusuke seki and majotae release taima-fu in floating, luminescent exhibit - 10close up of white wheat field inspired display 
photo © kenta hasegawa

yusuke seki and majotae release taima-fu in floating, luminescent exhibit - 11the entrance displays information on the history behind hempen culture
photo © kenta hasegawa

yusuke seki and majotae release taima-fu in floating, luminescent exhibit - 12majotae hopes for the material to reach its former presence in japan 
photo © kenta hasegawa

 

 

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