The kanji character “Ra” found in “Raden” – which is a style of Japanese lacquerware – means “sea shell” and the character for “Den” means craftsmanship.

First developed as a decorative finish in Japanese lacquerware, this name, raden, has come to refer to specific technique. The raden technique and a traditional Japanese weaving method called “hiki-haku” (which can be translated as “pull-foil”) were fused and an all new methodology was created. For this new technique, mother-of-pearl is sliced into thin veneers that are laminated on handmade Japanese paper. This paper is then cut into long, very thin strips, and these strips are woven as threads for the woof to make fabric.

This represents a break from conventional concepts. The glisten and sparkle of the ocean given off by the sea shells is expressed in a flexible material.

螺鈿の螺は貝殻を、鈿は細工のことをあらわします。

日本では漆の加飾として発展し、ひとつの技法の名前として定着しました。この技法と織物伝統技法（引き箔）が融合し、新しい技術が生まれました。和紙の上に 薄く板状にした貝殻を形に切って貼りつけ、これを糸状に細く裁断したものを緯糸として織り込むというものです。

今までの概念を破り、柔軟性をもった素材として貝殻のもつ海の煌めきが表現されています。

The Tango district faces the Sea of Japan and is a region of natural scenery that retains the flavor of ancient Japan. This natural environment and climate is necessary for textile production and the temperament of the residents is passed on from generation to generation.

TAMIYA RADEN is based on inspiration from nature and techniques cultivated in a background of history and tradition. We pursue the creation of all new fabrics with a convergence of natural materials such as silk, sea shells, lacquer, wood and leather.

丹後は、日本海に面し、日本の原風景を残す自然豊かな土地です。ここでは織物に必要な自然と風土、人々の気質が脈々と受け継がれています。

民谷螺鈿は、その歴史的背景のなかで培われた技術と自然からのインスピレーションをもとに、絹糸、貝殻、漆、木、革などの様々な素材を組み合わせた織物を生み出し、常に新たなクリエーションを目指しています。