ban inoue : caya tapestry

Ban Inoue

Japan’s ancient capital, Nara, is home to a centuries-old weaving industry devoted to the production of a special type of cloth; caya has an unusual, open structure, originally used as mosquito netting as well as traditional dress. The cloth is initially finished with natural starches which wash out, leaving a remarkably soft cloth – airy and breathable, with waffle-like texture. Renowned in Japan for a beauty of near spiritual quality, inspiring poetry and ukiyo-e woodblock prints during the Edo period, today caya’s gentle aesthetic and practical properties are preserved by Ban Inoue for use throughout the home.    

This simple pieced cloth has decorative potential along with practical use. As a modern, understated table runner or hanging in a window it highlights the simple beauty of caya; alternatively, it makes a stylish, soft and absorbent addition to your bathroom as a hand towel.

Caya cloth is beautiful and useful throughout the home, see our collection here.

made in Japan

• length 119cm
• width 44cm

• cold machine wash with like items to avoid snags and pulls
• dry flat in shade
• do not bleach or tumble dry