Yusuke Seki: Hemp

In this exhibition, the Tokyo-based brand Majotae explored the tradition of hemp culture through their product, taima-fu (hemp fabric). The designer Yusuke Seki created “Majotae – The Forgotten Fabric” to show historical rituals and textiles reinterpreted for modern times. 

To give an idea of the fabric’s lightness, softness and delicate thinness, visitors were invited to interact with the display, because the details of the pieces can require more attention. As part of the creative process, the white accent of the ancient shirotae robe was integral to the display of fabrics made by Majotae. It floated quietly in natural lighting, emphasising the qualities found both in ancient hemp textile, as well as in Majotae’s. Seki took inspiration from a white wheat field. 

The first part of the exhibition showed the cultural and historical context of hemp textile from the Jomon period (~12,000 B.C.). The remaining exhibits were hemp textiles made by Majotae. With the calm and serene environment created, the hope was that visitors look at hemp fabric with a fresh eye and explore the historical background of its forgotten tradition. 

Cannabis is an integral part of Japanese culture, as it was traditionally grown to make fabric, paper and as a fibre crop. It was part of religious ceremonies in the Shinto region. Cannabis was banned after World War II, and the religious use of aratae hemp is now restricted to the Ise Grand Shrine.