The Pride Of Textile Makers | Japanese Kihan Canvas
“Kihan Canvas is made with 130 years of textile maker pride and uncompromising quality.”
From Spun Yarn To Finished Products
Kihan Canvas is produced in Okayama Prefecture, the largest canvas producer in Japan, where the area was originally renowned for producing 70% of Japans cotton. The world-class canvas quality canvas is achieved by the advanced yarn twisting technology handed down between generations for over 130 years. Kihan Canvas uses yarn that is transformed by skilled masters into a beautifully shaped double-ended canvas called "selvedge".
The Waritsugi Process
Yarn that is both supple and strong is woven together by twisting several 100% cotton threads together on the shuttle looms.
Each thread end is connected to the next thread by hand using the skillful technique known as ‘waritsugi’. This process, whilst technically demanding, results in a higher quality weave where the seams are less noticeable.
The shuttle looms used to weave the canvas are now rare and rely heavily on the experience and sensibility of the craftsmen.
Detailed & high-level quality control
The time consuming weaving process of the canvas requires patience as each loom can only weave 50 to 70 metres of canvas in eight hours each day.
The now vintage shuttle looms are maintained with additional improvements specifically designed for the traditional techniques required to weave the canvas.
To ensure that each canvas is produced with the highest quality, masters will inspect each woven canvas several times, millimeter by millimeter. This process makes sure that any scratches or stains are removed and holes are filled and sewn.
Careful Selection
Every stage of the production process has been carefully reviewed to create bags that are made by true and honest craftsmen all the way down to the selection of the cotton used for the bags.
A number 10 grade cotton canvas is used because of its longevity and durability. This canvas was once used for truck covers because of its waterproofing qualities.
The lightweight and durable canvas makes this ideal as your travel bag or reliable storage bag to hold and transport your belongings.