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Object Timeline

1996

  • Work on this object began.

2003

  • We acquired this object.

  • Work on this object ended.

2004

2005

2013

2024

  • You found it!

Fishing Net, Encircling Fishing Net

This is a Fishing net. It was manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc. It is dated designed 1996, manufactured 2003 and we acquired it in 2003. Its medium is polyester and its technique is machine made knotless net of interconnected twisted threads, with heat treatment finish. It is a part of the Textiles department.

This fine, dark red, encircling fishing net by Toray Industries (designed in 1996, manufactured in 2003), requires very specialized physical characteristics for its ultimate performance as a fishing net. It must be strong enough for fishermen to haul in hundreds of pounds of fish, while light enough for easy handling and storage.
Made of Tetoron polyester, the net has the ability to expand from 1½ inches to 132 inches and weighs only a few pounds. It is machine-made and consists of pairs of twisted threads that connect to form the net by crossing through each other. The basic movements of the threads are the same used to make a bobbin lace net, or bobbinet, a technique developed in the late 19th century. The technique is modernized here with polyester yarn. In the final stage of production, the textile undergoes a heat treatment to eliminate distortions and create a flattened surface. Since the net is essentially knotless, it prevents bruising of the fish, which is important to cultures, like Japan, that rely on presentation—whether in food, tea, or flowers—to assure a harmonious ensemble.
The net proposed for acquisition will be included in the upcoming 2005 exhibition, Extreme Textiles: Designing for High Performance.

This object was donated by Toray Industries, Inc. It is credited Gift of Toray Industries, Inc..

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Its dimensions are

H x W (compacted): 1869.4 x 4 cm (61 ft. 4 in. x 1 9/16 in.) W (spread out): 226.1 cm (7 ft. 5 in.)

Cite this object as

Fishing Net, Encircling Fishing Net; Manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc (Japan); Japan; polyester; H x W (compacted): 1869.4 x 4 cm (61 ft. 4 in. x 1 9/16 in.) W (spread out): 226.1 cm (7 ft. 5 in.); Gift of Toray Industries, Inc.; 2003-22-1

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Extreme Textiles: Designing for High Performance.

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<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18698907/ |title=Fishing Net, Encircling Fishing Net |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=20 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>