About SAORI

In 1969, at the age of 56, Misao Jo discovered a new passion in hand weaving. As she began to explore this craft, she noticed a missing warp thread in one of her creations. Traditionally, this would be seen as a defect, but Misao found beauty in this imperfection and embraced it. She challenged the conventional view that weaving had to be perfect, questioning whether this was a flaw or a unique pattern.

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During this time, weaving was typically characterized by uniformity and regularity. A fabric with any irregularity was often dismissed as worthless. However, Misao, trusting her instincts, decided to bring her distinctively woven shawl to a renowned kimono shop in Osaka. The response she received was unexpectedly positive—the owner was intrigued and agreed to purchase the entire collection.

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This experience affirmed Misao's belief: the shawl was valued not despite its irregularities, but because they highlighted the weaver's unique touch. This realization marked a pivotal moment in her career, transforming her simple handwoven textiles into recognized pieces of art.

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Misao Jo's journey illustrates the transformative power of embracing one's individuality in their creations. What was once considered a flaw became a testament to personal expression, heralding the birth of weaving as an art form that celebrates the beauty of uniqueness.