Hand Looms | yamamayu’s weaving

The yamamayu studio houses 15 handlooms that have been passed down through generations.
Currently, 3 looms are in operation, each producing textiles suited to its unique structure and purpose.
In 2025, Keiko Nakagawara, the mother of the current generation, restarted a wide wooden loom given to her by her husband as a wedding gift nearly 40 years ago, and wove a 100 cm-wide furoshiki.

Contents

yamamayu’s Challenge

A loom is not only a tool but also a creative “partner.” At yamamayu, we see it as our mission to explore textile creation that matches the character of each loom, one by one.

Leno Weave Devices and New Experiments

Until now, leno weaving has been carried out on power looms. Today, we are adapting Kyoto-made leno devices and Jacquard attachments onto handlooms to explore new possibilities in hand weaving.

In regions such as Nishijin, there was a time when leno weaving (sha, ro, ra, etc.) was woven on handlooms. Craftsmen used auxiliary devices called “karami heddles” to cross warps, or crossed warps manually in part. At yamamayu, we are working on a contemporary revival of these practices. As of September 2025, we have succeeded in weaving leno structures by hand, but we continue to face the challenge of making the process less difficult.

Looms Currently in Operation

  • Hachioji Daichu Loom
  • Commemorative Loom
  • Loom with Leno and Jacquard Devices

These three looms support our daily production today.

List of Handlooms in the Studio (All 15)

  1. Kyoto Inagaki 1974 Commemorative Loom
  2. Kenki KT2500 (large-scale warping / wide-width compatible)
  3. Aizu Loom (Tohoku)
  4. Tokyo Handweaving Countermarch KH2-1100
  5. Tokyo Handweaving Super Mini KM650
  6. Oshima Loom
  7. Kyo Loom
  8. Swedish Loom (high-performance Nordic type)
  9. Hachioji Loom (Lower Batten)
  10. Hachioji Loom (Upper Batten)
  11. Kyoto Loom
  12. Foldable Loom
  13. Hachioji Loom (Obi Loom)
  14. Hachioji Daichu Loom with Jacquard Attachment
  15. Leclerc (Canada, international model)

* Details for each loom will be added gradually.

The Wedding Loom and Furoshiki

In 2025, Keiko Nakagawara resumed operation of a wide wooden loom after 40 years, producing a 100 cm-wide furoshiki. This loom was a wedding gift from her husband and is a treasured piece in our studio. Wide single-cloth furoshiki are rare, making this work a special part of the yamamayu collection.

→ View Furoshiki in the Collection