A Graceful World Born from the Art of Hogushi-ori.
Hogushi-ori is a traditional Japanese weaving technique long cherished for fine kimono fabrics. The unique texture created by this heritage craft beautifully captures the vibrant and elegant world of Montblanc.
Before the final weaving begins, a delicate process known as "Hogushi" takes place. Patterns are meticulously hand-printed (Tenassen) onto fabrics held together by temporary threads. These temporary threads are then carefully removed—a process that causes the patterns to shift ever so slightly. This intentional blurring creates a soft, painterly texture reminiscent of bleeding watercolors. The subsequent final weaving ensures a dense, durable, and high-quality finish.
Unlike standard digital prints found on mass-produced umbrellas, our Hogushi-ori umbrellas offer a unique warmth, depth, and softness of color.
The true beauty of Hogushi-ori is revealed when it rains. As raindrops settle on the fabric, they act as tiny lenses, making the patterns appear more vivid and brilliant. The result is an elegant, romantic atmosphere—as if you have stepped into a masterpiece of fine art.
Hogushi-ori Umbrellas
Gentleman block
22,000 yen (EXW SUMIDA TOKYO)
100% polyester
65cm
Flower girl
24,000 yen (EXW SUMIDA TOKYO)
100% polyester
60cm
Egypt
27,000 yen (EXW SUMIDA TOKYO)
100% polyester
55cm
Fuchikawari
18,000 yen (EXW SUMIDA TOKYO)
100% polyester
55cm
Monpluie Tokyo
20,000 yen (EXW SUMIDA TOKYO)
100% polyester
55cm
Features and Process of Hogushi-ori Umbrellas
While ordinary umbrellas are manufactured using digital photo prints, Hogushi-ori features a unique process where patterns are hand-printed (Tenassen) onto the warp threads during the preliminary weaving stage. This method is characterized by a softness, warmth, and profound depth of color. When wet, the patterns appear even more vivid, creating an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. Each piece is a high-quality masterpiece that is difficult to mass-produce due to the extensive manual labor involved.
Approximately 30 different artisans are involved in the creation of a single umbrella.
It takes three months to weave the fabric and another month for the waterproofing process; even a highly skilled craftsman can only produce 10 to 20 umbrellas per day.
While the price is not inexpensive for an umbrella, it is a piece that can be cherished and used for 20 or even 30 years if handled with care.
1.Preliminary Weaving (Kari-ori)
Temporary weft threads are inserted to prevent the warp threads from shifting. This process is called "Kari-ori" (preliminary weaving). It is a unique step specific to Hogushi-ori and is not found in the manufacturing of ordinary umbrellas.
2.Hand-Printing (Tenassen)
Using multiple stencils—one for each color—patterns are hand-printed onto the preliminary woven fabric.。
3.Steaming (Mushi)
The hand-printed fabric is steamed in a pressure cooker at temperatures exceeding 130°C for over an hour. This high-temperature treatment compresses the threads and prevents the colors from fading or bleeding.
4.Unraveling (Hogusu)
The act of removing the temporary weft threads during the final weaving is called "Hogusu" (to unravel). Weaving the fabric while simultaneously unraveling these threads is why it is called "Hogushi-ori." Since the unraveling process requires constant manual attention, the production time is strictly limited.
5.Final Weaving (Hon-ori)
The final weaving (inserting the permanent weft threads) is performed while carefully unraveling the temporary threads.
6.Waterproofing (Bosui)
A distinctive feature of Hogushi-ori is that when the umbrella is used on a rainy day, the raindrops act as lenses, making the colors and patterns appear more vivid and brilliant.
7.Cutting (Tachi)
The triangular patterns used for cutting the fabric panels are custom-made tools created by the artisans themselves. The precise angles must be determined by carefully calculating the relationship with the umbrella's frame and ribs.
8.Internal Stitching (Nakatoji)
The fabric and the ribs are meticulously sewn together from the underside to complete the umbrella.
Full After-Sales Support
We offer comprehensive after-sales care (provided at the customer's expense). Once we receive your umbrella, it will be returned to you in approximately one month. Please feel free to contact us by phone or via our inquiry form for any assistance.
(Approx. 1 month)
Sato Mansion 1F, 2-19-1 Taihei, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0012, Japan
TEL: +81-3-6751-9748 / FAX: +81-3-6751-9749
Montblanc Stores on Skytree Street
Montblanc Yamaguchi
2-3-8 Yokokawa, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0003
TEL: +81-3-3626-4131
Hours: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM (Closed on Sun, Holidays, and select Saturdays)
Montblanc Co., Ltd. Store & Showroom
Sato Mansion 1F, 2-19-1 Taihei, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0012
TEL: +81-3-6751-9748
Hours: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM (Closed on Sun, Holidays, and select Saturdays)
Access Map
Company Profile
| Company Name | Montblanc Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Store & Showroom | Sato Mansion 1F, 2-19-1 Taihei, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0012 TEL: +81-3-6751-9748 / FAX: +81-3-6751-9749 |
| Montblanc Yamaguchi | 2-3-8 Yokokawa, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0003 TEL: +81-3-3626-4131 |
| Business Hours | 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM (Closed on Sun, Holidays, and select Saturdays) Please note that business hours may change depending on the season. |
| Established | April 1960 |
| Representative | Yuji Yamaguchi |
| Capital | 10,000,000 JPY |
| Products | Western and Japanese Umbrellas / Parasols |
| Main Bank | Mizuho Bank, Kinshicho Branch |