Displaying the appeal of the old capital, Kyoto, through the beauty of gutiars


Kyoto is a city with a rich history that symbolizes old Japan. Kyoto is also known for its numerous cherry blossom viewing spots, which constantly attract the attention of not only the Japanese people but also the world. The story of this guitar began with the acquisition of rare cherry wood from Kyoto Prefecture. In addition to the Kyoto-inspired design, we also collaborated with Tatenoya, a Kyoto textile company, to incorporate Headway’s original Kyoto textile design. Headway has been working with Sakura wood from all around Japan, so we hope you enjoy the Kyoto-inspired Sakura model we bring you today.

Displaying the appeal of the old capital, Kyoto, through the beauty of gutiars

Kyoto is a city with a rich history that symbolizes old Japan. Kyoto is also known for its numerous cherry blossom viewing spots, which constantly attract the attention of not only the Japanese people but also the world. The story of this guitar began with the acquisition of rare cherry wood from Kyoto Prefecture. In addition to the Kyoto-inspired design, we also collaborated with Tatenoya, a Kyoto textile company, to incorporate Headway’s original Kyoto textile design. Headway has been working with Sakura wood from all around Japan, so we hope you enjoy the Kyoto-inspired Sakura model we bring you today.

Material

The Sakura wood from Kyoto Prefecture that we were able to obtain this time has a perfectly straight grain pattern and produces a well-balanced sound that is easy to handle. The wood is whiter than the usual wild Sakura, which is one of its more remarkable characteristics, and embodies the delicate and elegant image typical of Kyoto.

The Sakura wood from Kyoto Prefecture that we were able to obtain this time has a perfectly straight grain pattern and produces a well-balanced sound that is easy to handle. The wood is whiter than the usual wild Sakura, which is one of its more remarkable characteristics, and embodies the delicate and elegant image typical of Kyoto.

Proof of origin

A certificate of origin certifies that this special material is from Kyoto Prefecture. The place where the wood was harvested, or in other words, its hometown, is clearly indicated. While this detail might not be as significant for some since all Sakura wood from Japan might feel similar, authenticity is quite significant in our eyes.

Design

Kyoto’s bridge

The beautiful Kyoto bridge that watches over the passing of time is represented in conjunction with the Sakura guitar, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The new decade that the Sakura model will celebrate will be quietly watched over as it flows alognside the river.

Representing the flow of the Kamogawa river

The motif is based on the Kamogawa river in Kyoto, a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, and depicts the flow of the river and falling petals of cherry blossoms. The inlay made of wood and pearloid evokes the long history of the ancient capital and the gorgeous image of cherry blossoms at the same time.

Kyoto’s cherry blossom tree, the Weeping Sakura

The body back design features the famous Shidarezakura, or weeping cherry blossom tree, of Kyoto. The woman with the Japanese umbrella that is a recurrent theme in Headway steps forward under the falling weeping cherry blossoms.

The purple of the ancient capital and the gold of luxury

The color theme incorporates the “purple of the ancient capital” and “gold of luxury” that symbolize Kyoto. The entire body is finished in a deep “Kyoto purple,” a color that was carefully selected by our painters, and gold is expressed in the fine workmanship that uses gold-colored white mother of pearl shells in the details.

Pickguard and its details

The pickguard is reproduced with inlay work of tasteful cherry blossom branches. The Japanese character for Kyoto’s “Kyo” (京) , the theme of the instrument, appears as a hidden character in the design.

Tatinoya

KYOORI

『Sakura wheel』

Headway × Tatinoya

『Sakura wheel』

Headway × Tatinoya

『Sakura wheel』

Headway × Tatinoya


Techniques and traditions infused with a modern feel



When the Aska Workshop received news of the arrival of cherry wood from Kyoto, the project began with the desire to create a faithful representation of Kyoto’s traditional culture. The result was a collaboration between our Aska Workshop and “Kyoori”, a weaving company that utilizes the techniques of Nishijin textiles and shares the unconventional and free spirit of originality and “weaving whatever can be woven”.

Techniques and traditions infused with a modern feel

When the Aska Workshop received news of the arrival of cherry wood from Kyoto, the project began with the desire to create a faithful representation of Kyoto’s traditional culture. The result was a collaboration between our Aska Workshop and “Kyoori”, a weaving company that utilizes the techniques of Nishijin textiles and shares the unconventional and free spirit of originality and “weaving whatever can be woven”.

“Kyoori” is a new and free weaving technique based on the concept of “textiles for everyday life” that uses the techniques of Nishijin brocade to create traditional patterns with innovative colors and materials, or to rearrange traditional patterns.

Tatinoya’s Website

Soundhole cover

The checkered pattern is also meant to represent prosperity, as the pattern continues uninterrupted. Next to the checkered pattern is an image of time on the surface of water, representing the flow of time as we arrived at the 10th anniversary of Sakura guitar.

Soundhole Label

This special limited edition label uses the Kyoto textile brand “Kyoori” as the fabric, a fusion of prestigious tradition and modern influences. The special label is completed with an original design put together especially for this model, using Kyoori fabric.

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products

HD-SHIKIZAKURA

Only 10 units made

HD-KYOZAKURA SF,S-ESU/ATB

MSRP・・・JPY 440,000(w/o taxes)

HD-KYOZAKURA SF,S-ESU/ATB Product Page
HD-SHIKIZAKURA

Only 10 units made

HF-KYOZAKURA SF,S-ESU/ATB

MSRP・・・JPY 440,000(w/o taxes)

HF-KYOZAKURA SF,S-ESU/ATB Product Page