Miyasaka Hirofumi, a craftsman of the traditional folkcraft of Shinshu Pongee, was born in 1925 to a family who ran a silk manufacturing business. In 1964, he won the International Interior Design Award. Mr. Miyasaka is the first and only man in Japan to receive this honor. He is currently a textile designer, creating designs for various fabric. Being very versatile, Mr. Miyasaka designs fabric patterns for everything from kimono robes and sashes to western-style clothing. He also handles designs for rugs, tableware, tapestry, coasters, and other interior items while teaching at an art school and giving lectures in Japan as well as other countries. Mr. Miyasaka's job description is endless.
Miyasaka Hirofumi is extremely selective about colors and materials
Being a Japanese representative of the field, Mr. Miyasaka says, "I am a craftsman of a traditional folkcraft, so I seek and incorporate new ideas for Shinshu Pongee." The processes are all done by hand from selection of material, planning and weaving of the design to color dying. "Production of silk begins by selecting high quality wild silkworms and making the thread for the fabric." The procedures require pure manual labor, and color dying consists of chemical sources as well as flowers of azalea and yew trees which account for most of Okaya's plants.
"In search of absolute beauty, I have become very selective about colors and materials that I use. The craftsman's heart goes into these materials as each piece is completed with unique characteristics. These values reach out to the users and continue to display the beauty of handcrafted works."
The perfect blend of traditional methods and current ideas create new tools for modern lifestyles. Mr. Miyasaka dreams of a town where spinning wheels can be heard at every corner. In order to promote his dream, Mr. Miyasaka cooperates with the city's plan to educate successors. Miyasaka Hirofumi's busy life shall continue on.
