“itu” is a necklace made of Amami Pongee, a traditional silk kimono textile originated on the island of Amami-Oshima near Kagoshima. The rich black color is made by Japanese mud dyeing technique which uses the natural sources found on the island such as plants and mud.
Please note that each piece looks a little bit different depending on which part of the kimono fabric is used. This makes this necklace a valuable original piece of art. Amami Pongee has a history of over 1300 years.
For a very long time, it was produced as offerings to royals. The intricate kasuri (resisted yarn dyeing) patterns on both warp and weft are carefully woven together. The whole process could take from a half year to a year to weave enough length for one kimono. “Itu” means “yarn” in the local vernacular. Awarded the prefectural governor's award in the competition for new products from Kagoshima Prefecture.