Born in the Japanese Tomaya Prefecture in 1951, Jun Tomita is a prominent weaver and keen advocate of the kasuri method of ikat weaving.
After studying and training in Australia and England, Tomita returned to Japan where he eventually established his home and studio in Koshihata, west of Kyoto in 1982. He has taught at the West Surrey College of Art and Design and at the Kyoto College of Art, and has exhibited internationally.
For Tomita, this move to the mountain village of Koshihata, surrounded by mountains and forests was significant. The exposure to the constant change of
the natural landscape around him, inspired a personal and poetic response in his weavings rooted in nature.
He dyes and weaves his own threads to produce traditional Japanese obi belts, traditionally worn with kimonos, as well as rugs for the wall and floor. For his
chosen ikat weaves, he treats his thread and weaves it into the fabric – thus creating completely unique pieces.
Over the years, his community has grown, with more than thirty assistants completing their training with him in his textile studio. Tomita’s tranquil and multi-layered style, reminiscent of paintings, is highly acclaimed in Japan and internationally.
