Yamanobe-machi, Yamagata Prefecture
Kiyoko Saito (Oriental Carpet Co., Ltd.)
Mr. Kiyoko Saito, a hand-woven craftsman who produces carpets that are evaluated to the worldThere is a carpet maker “Oriental Carpet” which attracts attention from the world in this town where textile industry and textiles flourish.
The new palace, the United States Embassy, Vatican Palace, etc. are all prominent places.We are working on carpets that are recognized in the world, and are about 40 female craftsmen who work in oriental carpets. In the oriental carpet, the entire process of carpet making is carried out by the company in-house to the original finish processing of “mercerizing” which starts from spinning the yarn, and gives luster to dyeing, weaving, and the hair.There are two types of weaving process: hand-woven and hands-stab, and in particular, skillful skills are required.There are five craftsmen who are now hand-woven.One of them is Kiyoko Saito.He joined the company at the same time as high school, and has been supporting the carpet quality of oriental carpets for more than forty years.
One workman is in charge of the production of one carpet in the hand-woven process which finishes it up to the carpet called the highest peak by piling daily.I repeat the work such as the parse of a metal plate that the density becomes constant through the weft by tying the pile (yarn) while looking at the design drawing that the color pattern is specified over the warp.”I like to weave silently by myself.I’m working at my own pace, “said lightly, who is a veteran craftsman who is only about seven ㎝ a day.It takes patience, not to mention the technique of manipulating the yarn accurately.Even after weaving up, three-dimensional cut “carving” to put out the depth to the pattern of the carpet, and work continued with the Polish processing [mercerizing], finally a piece of carpet is completed.It takes about two months for the size of the entrance mat to be completed.The high technology of craftsmen and the accumulation of every day begin to make the carpet which is called the highest peak. You can also visit the factory on the Oriental carpet and touch the carpets on display.”I can use a hand-woven rug for over 100 years.It is attractive to keep the material and the color of the well and to last a long life, “says Saito.I was impressed by the beauty, the delicacy of the pattern and the goodness of touch when I let you look at a carpet actually completed.Make sure to check out the Oriental carpet carpets that are appreciated by the world.
Information
Name of the facility Oriental Carpet Co., Ltd. Business hours Factory tours are closed on weekdays, 10:30 and 13:30, and the holiday fee is free. Other factory tours are required