用の美 -Yo no bi-

In Japan, there is an expression that says " 用の美 -Yo no bi- " It's the beauty of refined tools we Japanese would feel when using them. In most cases, those tools or objects were made by ordinary people in their daily lives.

These beautiful SASHIKO × TAKONOHA pincushions made by two Japanese crafters are representing 用の美, the beauty in use. 

【Nagai sashiko】
Nagai sashiko is one of the traditional sashiko methods which has been handed down in Nagai city in Yamagata prefecture. Momo @momo_sashiko is a  Japanese crafter who is carrying on the tradition with the firm intention of passing it down in the right way. That's why she is particular about the materials she use. 

- Fabric : Aizu-momen, Aizu cotton fabric
- Thread : Pesticide-free hand spun cotton thread
- Thread color : Indigo or plant dye

【TAKONOHA basket】
Located approximately 1,000 kilometers south of Tokyo, the Ogasawara Islands are a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site. The handcrafts with Takonoha leaves have been rooted in the island’s life for a long time. These Takonoha basket was woven by Yoko @takonoha who is learning and handing down the tradition.

Two Japanese folk crafts met and these pincushions were made. Touch and feel the beauty of Japanese folk arts, and I hope you'll find joy in using it in your daily life.