There are few cloths as enduring as gingham. Woven from simple checks, it has crossed generations, seasons, and continents without ever feeling out of place. It is practical, joyful, and timeless.
Leatherwork from the Artisans Alliance of Jawaja. These pieces are completely hand-worked by skilled craftspeople from the stitched details to the burnished finish on the leather. Jawaja makes some of the most enduring items we have ever seen.
Time adds subtlety, deepens personality, and bestows a heroic character on Jawaja leatherwork. These items wear well - and only get better with age.
The Leather Tulip Bag brings a touch of elegance to everyday carrying. Its gently curved silhouette is inspired by the graceful shape of a tulip in bloom. Spacious enough for daily essentials yet refined in appearance, it moves effortlessly from workdays to weekends. With its timeless design, comfortable shoulder straps, and beautiful natural patina that develops with use, the Tulip is a bag you'll reach for season after season.
Maiwa has worked closely with the Artisan's Alliance of Jawaja for over twenty years. We have worked on product development and collaborations with other artisans.
In the peak of summer, as the sun illuminates our gardens, and the warm breeze flows through our homes, it's the perfect time to relax into effortless airy handwoven cloth.
Kakishibu has a rich cultural heritage that dates back centuries in ancient Japan. This natural dye, derived from fermented unripe persimmon fruit, holds a special place in Japanese traditional crafts of textiles, paper and woodwork. Renowned for its rich amber colour, durability, and eco-friendly properties, kakishibu continues to captivate artisans.
The dyeing process involves first extracting tannins from the unripe fruit of the kaki (persimmon) tree, specifically the astringent variety known as ‘shibu’. The fruits are collected, peeled, and left to ferment in water for several months to several years. The process of fermentation allows for the release of tannic acid, which gives kakishibu its distinct characteristics.
Kakishibu on textiles has been used for centuries. The dye can be applied through various techniques, including direct application, stencil dyeing, and immersion dyeing. The result is not only a stunning colour but imbues natural fibres with enhanced durability, water repellency, and resistance to insects.
Kakishibu is used extensively in traditional Japanese fine woodworking. Wood artisans use the dye to protect and beautify a variety of wooden objects such as furniture, flooring, and tools. The tannins in kakishibu act as a natural wood preservative and offer protection against insects, fungi, and moisture. The dye enhances the natural beauty of wood by deepening its colour and creating a rich, aged, weathered appearance.
The kind of shirt you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again – through long summer days, cool evenings, and everything in between – travels well, layers easily, and somehow always feels right.
