Cathayana
Cathayana Makes Silk Perfection
Cathyana handcrafts exquisite 100% silk scarves, purses, jewelry pouches, and more. Owner and silk artist Min W. Chiu and family are natives of China but their studio is in Troy, Michigan. This is where Cathayanas’ artists create their elegant silk scarves and shawls.
Min and Xiaoke employ the Japanese technique of “shibori.” Besides scarves and shawls, they create purses, totes, and eyeglass cases. You can color coordinate your accessories!
The Artists behind Cathayana
Min Chiu and Xiaoke Wang, are the silk artists who created Cathayana. Min devoted much effort to learning the ancient Japanese art of “shibori”. While researching, she read many books, both English and Japanese on the subject. Then, after much trial and error, she became a true "shibori" artist. Min's mission is to show her impression of the colors in nature. Nature has endless colors to delight us. She fell in love with this technique because of its unlimited colorways.
The Shibori Technique
Shibori is a Japanese technique of creating designs on fabric. It is a dye-resist method of binding and wrapping fabric. Various tools wrap and bind the cloth. This binding creates areas where dye can not penetrate. A pattern emerges between dyed and the non colored fabric. The type of fabric and the way fabric wraps determines the result. The dyed designs vary from random splashes of color to symmetrical patterns. It is similar to Tie Dye with a more refined selection of color.
Cathayana Strictly Uses Silk
Cathayana uses 100% white silk to create patterns of remarkable beauty. Careful balancing of color is important. Each scarf or purse is hand dyed, hand pleated, color discharged, and hand painted. Only natural fibers like silk work. Natural silk will discharge i.e. allowing dye removal. Delicate hand hemming provides the final touch. The final results, at times, exceed expectations with their remarkable beauty!
They have a Unique Style
A striking array of color results from the dying and hand pleating. Dynamic colors make these scarves perfect fashion accessories. The fashion world recognizes Cathayana for its Infinity scarf. An Infinity scarf is an endless piece of fabric that wraps around the neck. The scarf is one continuous length of fabric. When wrapped, it creates layers of delicate ruffles, framing your face. Wear these scarves with blouses, jackets or coats. An infinite selection of hues is available. This means an unlimited amount of color combinations are possible. The scarves appear as shimmering pleats with vibrant colors. True wearable art to adorn your neck!
Cathayana studio uses an ancient art form but with a modern twist. Employing the "shibori" form of fabric dying, with a fresh, new aesthetic. Using silk and multiple dyes along with intricate binding methods. A new art form emerges with a modern spirit. Min and Xioake breathe fresh life into an ancient art form.
They use color to express emotion. Wearing their distinctive accessories is a delight. Lightweight infinity scarves and shawls in gorgeous colors will accent your wardrobe. Fuchsia, green and purple. Turquoise, blue and pink. Grey, straw and magenta. Jam and peach. Evergreen and eggplant. You'll find unlimited color combinations for you to choose from!
P.S. Here is a Gift Idea: A Cathayana Purse
A purse to match your scarf or shawl? In your favorite color? And a jewelry pouch? Useful for travel!
