Was it this room in the October 2010 issue of Lonny that started it?
Or this one in the November 2010 issue of Elle Decor?
Either way, I don’t know the answer, but it is no longer just my own selective perception. I figure everyone must be tired of ikat and suzani throw pillows, as every time I turn around (or actually, click on a link) I come across indigo pillows, new and vintage, shibori or tie dyed, sashiko stitched, wax-resist dyed, printed and other techniques, all reminiscent of or actually made from Japanese textiles. Not a new topic for me at all, but I do think they have gone from being a rarely seen item to being prevalent and readily available. So if you are not here in Japan where you can stop by a shrine sale and pick up Japanese textiles to sew into pillows, or if you like your pillows ready-made, here’s a look at what’s out there.
There are certain places you’d expect to find them of course…John Robshaw for instance (his room is the top one above). The website has tie dyed pillows for sale which I won’t call shibori as I believe they are made in India, not Japan.
Jayson Home & Garden still stocks the Zoe tie dyed pillow in the second photo, but unfortunately they are out of the blue and only have it in sage and plum. Don’t despair as Roni over at The Loaded Trunk has a nice selection of hand tied indigo pillows as well as a full assortment of Moroccan, Kuba cloth, Hmong, Afghan, Mexican, Indian – you name it – pillows from around the world.
Here’s a close up of the big 24 inch pillow on the floor in the photo above. It would make a good substitute for the ones in the Elle Decor photo.
Anupama also has a wide range of global pillows, including this typical shibori circles pillow…
…and this more unusual beehive shibori pattern.
Big shibori furoshiki (wrapping cloths) make great floor pillows as shown here by these from Ouno Design. I recently sourced a great furoshiki that designer and friend Maja Smith is making into one for her Lake Tahoe home. Looking forward to photos of that!
One Kings Lane has had some very authentic looking pillows from a shop called Viridian made from vintage tsutsugaki (literally, tube drawing) textiles, a paste resist method of decoration…
…as well as others made using the katazome (stencil paste resist) method from Erin Taylor of Botanik.
There are also some boro (tattered rags) styles too.
Even mainstream retailers are getting into the game. While Anthropologie is no longer stocking the Japanese inspired bedding and pillows they had last year, Serena and Lily, normally so preppy and demure, has been stepping up their game with an online bazaar filled with vintage accessories as well as their line of linens and furniture. They have also caught a bit of that boro fever…
…and have some new Japanese inspired textiles.
Even Ralph Lauren isn’t being left out with his Indigo Modern Stripe Collection, a dip dyed pillow and sheeting set.
Related Posts:
Tie Dye Heaven…Painterly Effects from Monique Lhuillier and Eskayel
A Little Shibori Feeling From Eskayel and Anthropologie
Selective Perception…Maekake at the Heiwajima Antiques Fair and Kawagoe Shrine Sale
I know what you mean, it seems like every magazine has some kind of inspiration from Japanese textiles, with the exception to the Belgian ones I pick up of course! I don’t like it so much when the things that we have picked up and love from it’s origin becomes “mass produced” and attainable to the masses, but I guess that that is design. Just wondering, did you have a chance to talk to Amy yet for me? Sorry to bug you!
Angela x
Great Post! I see indigo pillows everywhere too!!
I saw that pillow on OKL and was tempted!
Time for another class! We can totally do this.
Yes! The tie dye part too I think!
Drool! What is it about indigo? It calms me….Thank so much for the mention. I never think there is too much indigo… I always go for those timeless textiles.
I will be in Narita airport next Thursday on my way to Thailand. I need to plan a long layover and meet you next time.
Oh Roni – Absolutely!!!!!
I came to your blog after looking for indigo pillows through a Google search. I’m revamping my living room and trying to integrate an Isphahan rug I’ve had in storage for 12 years. Indigo is the perfect colour to pull together the rug with existing grey Venetian plaster walls, a grey leather lounge, and marble floors. The added texture also acts as a bridge between the too slick modern feel and the warmth of the rug. Great selection of styles. Thanks.
Susan, I so need to see a photo of your space when you are finished – it sounds like you’ve got the perfect mix going on! I agree, the old more formal Persians look really fresh again these days, especially when mixed with ethnic textiles. Thanks for stopping by and commenting – hope to hear from you again!