Hana Mitsui reinterprets traditional Japanese tatami weaving through a pixelated Mona Lisa made with Igusa grass. Working with tatami craftspeople, she explores how this time-honored material can engage with present-day visual language. By noticing the visual similarity between tatami’s weave and digital pixel grids, Mitsui developed a method to express subtle tones through tactile, pixel-like forms. The result highlights a quiet dialogue between tradition and modern perspective.Her practice reflects an ongoing interest in translating cultural heritage into new visual expressions.

Hana Mitsui is a Tokyo and Fukuoka-based textile designer and the founder of Hana Material Design Laboratory Inc. With a background in both traditional Japanese weaving techniques and contemporary textile innovation, she brings a unique cross-cultural perspective to her work. Mitsui studied textile design at Tama Art University in Tokyo and earned her Master’s degree from the Royal College of Art in London. After gaining experience at international fashion houses and design studios, she established her own studio to explore material research, fabric design, and collaborative projects with various industries. Her practice is centered on developing textiles that connect cultural heritage with modern living through thoughtful design, workshops, and educational outreach.

Hana Material Design Laboratory is a research-based initiative led by textile designer Hana Mitsui, working in close collaboration with craftspeople and specialists across Japan. The laboratory is dedicated to the in-depth exploration of distinctive materials and techniques that Mitsui has discovered through her creative practice. Through rigorous research and development, the laboratory produces innovative works that are exhibited in various venues and made available for purchase. By uncovering overlooked or forgotten resources from across Japan, Hana Material Design Laboratory aims to revitalize them with new meaning and relevance for contemporary life.