Silk marbling: a Japanese technique rediscovered | Hermès Footsteps Across The World

Droplets, waves and mountains… the etchings held prisoner in blocks of stone were the inspiration for the Japanese master bookbinders’ marbled paper.
Inkjet printing has transposed these effects to fabric, without ever equalling the delicacy and radiance of the patterns found by Hermès in an old album in the archives of its Lyon textile sector.
After years of research, this technique of silk marbling using a compressed, through-colored starch paste was rediscovered in Kyoto. The Nose family is its custodian.
Directed by Frédéric Laffont.
#HermesFootsteps
Discover Hermès values and relationship with sustainable development on our website:
h.fr/FootstepsacrosstheworldM...
Watch the entire Hermès Footsteps across the world documentary series:
• HERMÈS FOOTSTEPS ACROS...
***
Welcome to the world of Hermès:
In 1837, Thierry Hermès opened his workshop making the finest quality harnesses and saddles in the heart of Paris.
Today, Hermès is still a family company whose craftspeople make, often by hand and always with love , bags and belts, diaries and dishes, scarves and shoes, perfumes and purses, ties and travelling furniture, as well as gloves, hats, watches, jewellery and clothes.

[@randolf5111]

The translation in this video is incorrect. Her father did not import this technique from Germany. 'Her father exported this technique to Germany ' is the right translation.

[@doodletime1512]

I am glad the son is also invested in learning the trade instead of leaving home to become an office worker. In fact, the whole family sticks together despite the years of hardship. It's very heartening.

[@jadelee6555]

That is absolutely incredible. Please PLEASE keep this family well funded so they can continue this trade. This artform must not be lost

[@_getfree]

They better be paying that family some good money cause they sell these silks for ridiculous prices

[@junesunshine417]

I am from Kyoto and own two Hermès scarves but never knew that a family in my hometown is now producing some of Hermès silks! Kyoto is known for its traditional silk textile industry. The industry declined from its peak in the 1950s but sees a slow come back.

[@bellasadar7443]

Japan is one of the most computerized country but also one which values artisans the most.

[@tagged5life]

bellasadar it is actually surprisingly not computerized

[@georginar763]

I was a textile designer for many many years and no one acknowledged me as a designer, even though I was behind many designs that made the companies lots of money. I always kept my mind on the fact that through my designs many people were being employed, their families and also the community. It made me feel good about that. I was'nt paid a lot but it always disappointed me that my name was not printed on the selvedge of the cloth. So, its generous of Hermes to post this. The main reason that my name and countless other designers were not mentioned...ever. was because of competitors. If they liked the look they could approach us and try to get us to design fabrics similar to the one I had designed - which was always successful. I applaud Hermes for supporting these people and showing their work on youtube and acknowledging their amazing work. They are a national treasure indeed. :)

[@luna39900]

I like how the son takes pride in his family's heritage

[@mchan9611]

this is what I want from fashion houses. Not just to get an idea from a culture and run with it. But taking the time to understand the technical process and history, and showcasing the place it came from👍👍👍

[@RaginYak]

Didn't expect to see such wonderful story of a Japanese family. Praying they are filthy rich by now.

[@polodubhthaigh9827]

Stunning! Their pure joy when they saw the prints from the 30's touched me, and when she runs to pull out an equivalent print that they had made! Their passion shines through. I hope that they do well out of this. The Japanese are masters of tradition!

[@men_del12]

"I hope to reach the challange and reach for the infinite". Best quote ever.

[@ngairepham]

Yeah I listened to it many times. It's the Japanese spirit

[@Sfb396]

I’m glad there are people keeping traditional artforms and techniques alive to this day.

[@arniecalang4583]

Japanese workers are so pure I am in awe.

[@amzanz9145]

That’s why Japanese are the best in a lot of ways especially when it comes to craftsmanship because they do not compete with others but with themselves.

[@brandonmunden1541]

French, too

[@KaySan666]

@@brandonmunden1541 and apparently the germans if you consider that he went to germany to import that technique to japan

[@ohnonichole]

This was originally a German technique, brought over to Japan, but found little local interest in the latter years, as noted in the video, and kept alive by French fashion. This isn't a specific cultural skill, but rather a world heritage one.

[@DiAn-xg7tm]

I can't believe I watched this video crying. This is so pretty and the story behind is incomparable.

[@Keys2703]

me too i am crying watching this

[@marcobenneti9664]

I almost cried too

[@fionnafaye]

Sooo did they hire them? It would be so disappointing to have Hermes steal their technique then profit millions off of it without any compensation

[@afarhan21]

Masters of their craft. These people show us how to live.

[@jeanneluddeni5159]

Oh my goodness such beauty to die for gorgeous silks and designs

[@karenyu9260]

That’s just WOW!!! The technique is magical and a lot of love. Hermes did great in honoring the authenticiticity of the process. Indeed, any ink-jet printing can never duplicate the soulfulness of Japanese craftsmanship!

[@franzgrabe1]

I am speechless! What a craftsman!

[@shizukagozen777]

The patterns and colors are WONDERFUL, I have tears in my eyes thinking that it will maybe totally disappear.

[@vondahe]

I think it’s fairly safe to say that you probably couldn’t find such love of quality details anywhere else than Japan. It’s a unique country in many ways. Hat tip to Hermès for finding this artist and partnering with him. I expect he’s remunerated appropriately for his work.

[@chinigirlX3]

Hermes better hire them and not steal their technique ☝🏻 😒

[@LoiLaing]

I am in complete awe. For the family to have kept the technique alive for 40 years, Hermés finding them after searching for 10 years, and then working together for another 3 years to produce the scarves...amazing.😍

[@eddvcr598]

It’s awesome to see the contagious excitement erupt among the artisans who instantly know exactly what the samples are. And the joy it brought them to realize that their skills are still prized was such a wonderful thing to see. Hermès better pay these living treasures very well and not just steal their craft!

[@PeterSIpeli]

this is stunning, what an amazing family to retain the technique

[@nikkireign4498]

Absolutely magical. I hope the artists and techniques are never lost to new age technology.

[@-...................-]

Hermès should be paying them well enough Just look at the workshop!

[@imnctzen701]

this is so great hermes will be able to help that silk printing be alive for more years to come...

[@angusdraffan6656]

Thankyou Hermes for commissioning and publicising this amazing family's work! I imagine one of the greatest joys for artisans is having their work recognised and purchased.

[@meg2231]

This guy is like, the best artist ever...such a unique skill and he's an absolute master of it

[@myluckytofu]

WE MUST PROTECT THIS AT ALL COST!!!

[@SheerStitchery]

This is absolutely stunning! I love how Hermes is supporting this age old craft and not resorting to printing the design. It makes me so happy to see this! 🌸

[@robynschoon3270]

So beautiful to see this craft come to life in our world of fast fashion and gross consumerism… And hoping the artisans are recognised and rewarded for their wonderful skills.

[@Acquavallo]

C'est magnifique! C'est trop beau, c'est dingue

[@nerueru5756]

I want to honor this family with more than a video 😭🙏

[@iampreethi12]

Every world renowned designer should celebrate their artisans..each and everyone who work behind the scenes deserve equal credit and applause

[@MTMF.london]

I would love to know more about the materials used and the technique involved - or are they a trade secret? Also I hope Japan declares the family and its workshop a national treasure.

[@sion-dafyddlocke9913]

MT Yankin Just an educated guess, but it looks to based off the rice pastes that are also used in kimono technique. That with massive concentration of dried dyes (as you can tell by the almost black colors of the pastes) with just a little liquid acid and maybe binding the design in beeswax?

[@MsJocelynC]

The mastery and the beauty when the final silk comes out of the machine has me in tears 😍🙏🏻

[@MrMuddy22]

Now I understand - it’s an absolute work of art! Thank you for this video - gives me a greater appreciation 💙

[@uuoah]

Absolutely stunning. The Japanese are truly some of the best artist. They have a passion like no other

[@casseyanzio2568]

Thank you Hermes. It is good to see you acknowledge the artisans and creating good content for KZbin.

[@HLZ462]

The whole family members of the craft man look genuinely love what they do, I can feel their passion through this video!

[@GaiAlubinur]

4:01 these people have spent years perfecting their colour recognition, and that´s only a part of it. INCREDIBLE.

[@Diana-fw1lq]

It’s beautiful to see lost traditions come back to life... 🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂

[@leeohmoon231]

made me cry, for what we`ve lost, the age of the machine not skills and people, I hope Hermes pays them well for this hard yet beautiful work...

[@HIK063]

The patterns are beautiful. And the story behind the process and the family's story just makes the scarfs have more value!

[@asamtoy]

Just...wow. Awe inspiring.

[@00popstar]

This was amazing. Those designs are so intricate and heartbreakingly beautiful.

[@marybrantley2160]

Beauty, skill, knowledge, respect!! The name itself represents elegance and skill, and the product is known worldwide. Please let this knowledge continue.

[@Alexandraalejandro798]

The Japanese had perfected and mastered this technique for more than a thousand years carying out through kimonos at its finest of an artistry I hope this family will be well rewarded for this as HERMÈS would've been searching for this quality for a long time if this family hadn't held on with this legacy a little longer.

[@carolynpetritsch9053]

Amazing . Good job doing their story . It’s important they get recognized for this unique art and keep it alive. Beautiful

[@daniellepreyar]

What a beautiful family and wonderful art. What a treasure they are, I'd love to have one of their pieces and pass it down when I get older.

[@2degucitas]

Colored starch paste, cut, shaped, stacked, put together like a mosaic 3\4 of an inch thick. Then fixed to a printing drum it prints onto a roll of fine white silk cloth. What mastery. The technique reminds me of how fimo clay is put together to make beads and other items.

[@Aurora-kq7bo]

They deserve SO MUCH MORE

[@mellostation]

Oh my goodness how beautiful

[@bhanani5480]

Pure Art and magnificent craftsmanship, talented and dedicated family ❤

[@janiliebenberg4407]

I've watched a few videos about Parisien fashion and accessories and the Hermés scarf was mentioned several times. Now I know what all the fuss is about. It's beautiful. And such an art!

[@bonchance9241]

Absolutely Beautiful ! This Gentleman is an Artisan & his Family assist him in the Artistry..... If his Skills are not taught the Knowledge will disappear .

[@AliceRiobueno]

Truly a piece of art, so beautiful and with this japanese vibe, love it!

[@gsogso3444]

God.. This is incredibly....thank you to all🙏✨✨✨✨✨

[@kamiliyanapa9931]

Hermes should be paying this family with a huge money...

[@markwroe7]

I am always impressed and moved by the depth of experience and quality with this beautiful work. Thank You.

[@chelsealauren1258]

Priceless art

[@jennygifford914]

WOW incredible work .. mindblowing...priceless... this family should be super wealthy for their art..

[@LittleMissus]

Wow just wow! We must protect this family at all cost!

[@LRSL]

I'm sitting on the edge of my seat here, totally fascinated, not by the grandeur of the brand, but by this humble family who uphold a dying tradition. Everything they do, no matter how small the movement, seems like a ritual or even a prayer of appreciation for the skills and knowledge they have acquired to execute the perfection in the art that lays before them.

[@TattedMunchkin69]

They are all so amazing. God bless them♥

[@netmatrix75]

I think the process is folding layers and layers of different ink colors/ And when it gets printed, the inks will change color layer after layer upon depletion. Interesting technique. Hence there are no 2 pieces alike.

[@theaansel8738]

This so beautiful it makes you want to weep

[@line80able]

Les artisans japonais sont impressionnants, cet amour de leur travail le respect et ce besoin d’exceller pour atteindre la perfection. Certains diront que c'est le fondement de l'artisanat, mais au 21 ème siècle c'est quasi impossible d'avoir encore cette mentalité à cause de la mondialisation. Même leurs agriculteurs ont cette vision, ce qui prime ce n'est pas la quantité mais la qualité.

[@mercedeslb237]

Vraiment magnifique!!!! Merci beaucoup pour partager 😙

[@NopeJustMe]

Stunning. The last few people in the world. They better be paying some $$$$$ to this incredibly talented family. Those prints are breathtaking!

[@NormYip]

Such beautiful craftsmanship. The prints look gorgeous.

[@agustina0110]

Lovely family and amazing technique

[@PiaAmorin]

Mesmerizing!

[@eusoffable]

Incredibly beautiful

[@CuteeCupee]

Fantastic technique, beautiful results.

[@htj194]

Absolutely stunning

[@halfmoond2562]

Wow these are more beautiful than paintings or tapestries I've seen in The Louvre. I think he could make these into art and display them in a museum if he wanted, this whole process is an art and and I hope he is able to afford more workers or apprentices to learn his craft, this is skill that must never die. I do hope Hermes hires them to make and design their next scarves and pays them handsomely.

[@Internet_user777]

I so appreciate this......

[@DAYBROK3]

what beautiful work, he is an artist.

[@robertsyrett1992]

Well that was pretty insane! Thanks for sharing, and I would love to watch a livestream of that guy cutting the dye/clay/whatever that is and making patterns with it. Absolutely magical.

[@zhoujialin7897]

That is holy incredible!

[@whitedragonspirit]

Beautiful work of art! ♥️💯👌

[@NotChrisXXX]

To breath life into this old factory magical the song of the machines in harmony

[@kida13otohime17]

I was never interested in purchasing an Hermès scarf or silk. But if I come across this beautiful art I will buy it immediately

[@pussycat3982]

I want one

[@gunmetal2445]

The family is adorable!

[@juliaamosa215]

Incredible gift.

[@scarlettp1106]

I hope they will make a web page/instagram page and show the world their traditional art.

[@svetlanaknight2183]

Such a beautiful art...

[@bobbyvalentine5715]

Anything japanese do is art... from food to art

[@johannahidalgo7738]

Fu. Kin magical indeed!!!!!!!

[@karenwilkinson1315]

Exquisite workmanship

[@LindsayK3152]

This is...an incredible technique...

[@InkMink]

That’s beautiful :o I hope they earn enough to keep expanding their knowledge to keep this skill alive!

[@wickandde]

Beautiful

[@briandstone1able]

Beautiful work!