Hiroshi Mori
The owner of the ITOKOBO (Small Silk Mill)
Mr. Mori, the 3rd generation of the owner at the factory, was born and raised in Akiruno-shi (former Itsukaichi-machi), Tokyo.
Kurohachijo is a type of woven silk products that used to be popular in Itsukaichi area from the late Edo Period through Meiji Period so that Kurohachijo is also called as “ITSUKAICHI”.
The materials need to be dyed with iron-rich mud and seeds of YASHABUSHI (species of alder tree) before weaving.
It varies in colour from light to dark brown that is almost black. The colour depends on how many times silk is dyed with mud.
This products were well known across japan in old days, but the popularity has decreased over time because of its time-consuming process and productivity.
He is now only one person who has the dying technique and titled as one of 5 artisans in the area.
This is how he spins yarn.
Go check more his works.