Machine Weaving

Looking back across history, the Industrial Revolution that occurred in Britain during the latter half of the 18th century led to the invention of the flying shuttle and the power loom, through which the efficiency of textile production was exponentially elevated. Within the specific history of Japan, the full-scale introduction and practical implementation of these technologies progressed from the Meiji period (the late 19th century) onward. Following the subsequent development of domestic power looms, they became widely generalized. Throughout this technological transition, a diverse range of looms emerged, with each undergoing its own distinct development.

Modern mainstream high-speed looms, such as air-jet and water-jet looms, utilize jets of air or water to propel weft yarns at ultra-high speeds, allowing smooth and stable fabrics to be efficiently finished. However, such high-speed machinery is seldom utilized for the garments of MITTAN. Instead, the focus is placed primarily on mechanical weaving utilizing shuttle looms, Schönherr looms, and rapier looms, which remain operational in traditional Japanese textile regions such as Enshu, Banshu, and Bishu. Additionally, hand-weaving from Asian regions, including India and Laos, is also partially incorporated.

Because these vintage looms and hand-weaving processes operate gently under low tension without placing undue stress on the threads, the air and natural loft within the fibers are prevented from being crushed. Depending on the fabric, a rustic texture characterized by three-dimensional unevenness and distinctive wrinkles is engendered on the surface, yielding a light and flexible touch against the skin. Deep importance is attached to the unique virtues inherent to these older methods; by continuously engaging these specific production regions and techniques, the preservation of these valuable, yet vanishing, historical production backgrounds is sought.