Textile, Sugar

Sugar is a contemporary textile from the Kyoto-based company, Hosoo, which reinterprets Japan’s traditional textile-making techniques. The woven silk is accentuated by a lacquer-coated washi (paper) thread, which gives the textile a luxurious and glimmering surface. Thicker rayon thread is used in the weft at particular moments making the surface "puff up" in a pattern of swirls that recalls melting sugar. A more contemporary technique to achieve the same effect is to use fibers with different shrinkage ratios; however, Hosoo employs the thicker denier rayon fiber to maintain the luster of the silk and lacquered thread.
Hosoo was founded in 1688, and the company’s history can be traced back to Kyoto’s silk industry of the sixth century. The company is particularly known for its richly colored and textured surfaces that were popularized by the Imperial Court of Kyoto. Today, the company continues to develop high-end textiles for fashion designers, architects, and interior designers, which keeps alive these centuries-old textile techniques.

Textile, Sugar; Designed by Hosoo Co., Ltd.; 50% silk, 20% lacquered washi, 25% rayon, 5% polyester; Gift of Hosoo Co., Ltd.; 2015-46-2