In Zen vocabulary, SAORI is the combination of the words 'SAI', meaning everything has its own individual dignity, and 'ORI', meaning weaving.

SAORI is a contemporary hand weaving method founded by Misao Jo (1913-2018, Japan) in 1969. She started weaving when she was 57 years old and created her own loom and style, free from the traditional concept and rules of weaving. She named her weaving style 'SAORI' in which anyone can express oneself freely regardless of age, gender, disability or intellectual aptitude.

In SAORI, people can enjoy hand weaving as an art form, not only as a hand craft. Since SAORI has been introduced all over Japan, there are more than 50,000 SAORI weavers in the country. SAORI has also been introduced the overseas in more than 50 countries.

Misao Jo was commended by the Japanese government twice for her public contribution made through SAORI Weaving Program. In 1990, she was honored by the Minister of Health and Welfare of Japan, and in 1992 again by the Prime Minister of Japan.

SAORI's 4 Principles

1. Consider the differences between people and machines.

2. Be bold and adventurous

3. Look out through eyes that shine

4. Inspire one another, and everyone in the group