京都 Kyoto's Textile District Nishijin 西陣
Nishijin is Kyoto's traditional textile district and the famous creative center for kimono fabrics, obi (kimono sashes) and Nishijin-ori - the renowned Nishijin fabric weaving. It is also one of the most traditional areas of the city.
Nishijin weaving is a traditional craft that was created in Kyoto 1200 years ago by using many different types of colored yarns and weaving them together into brocade and satin with enchanting patterns.
Today Nishijin weaving is used mostly in clothing for weddings and other formal occasions or japanese ceremonies. The popularity of the Nishijin kimonos is passing through generations and is due not only to their excellent designs but also thanks to an amazing sophistication and elaboration.
Most of the traditional design and patterns used in Nishijin waves are scenes of nature, especially birds and flowers.
Although mainly famous for its kimonos, Kyoto's Nishijin district is also well known for its kimono scarves, belts, shawls, and many different types of cloth and decorations that adorn the walls of Japanese homes.
Nowadays, many Nishijin factories are using modern technology like power looms and computerized designing of templates and engraving patterns. Nevertheless, the most elegant patterns that made Nishijin waving so renowned and acclaimed are still created by skilled artisans on hand looms.
For those who wish to understand the uniqueness of the Nishijin weaving, you must visit the Nishijin Textile Centre. There you can find on display kimono pattern books, hand looms and old fabric from the Meiji period in the late 19th century.
There is also a great exhibition showing the step by step process of creating Nishijin fabrics, from design, twisting, reeling, and weaving with hand looms. With the technique developed in Nishijin, the threads are dyed before they are weaved, which is why it is so critical to double or triple think the fabric design in order to insure that the result will match the artist’s vision.
On the 2nd floor of the Textile Centre, you can watch experienced artisans and textile designers working on all stages of silk kimonos: detail drawing, painting, embroidering, screen-printing ...
There is also a short kimono fashion show 7 times a day from 10:00 to 16:00.
Below are photos of the 2 Nishijin weaving masters - Itaro Yamaguchi on the left, and Yasujirō Yamaguchi on the right.
Read more about Nishijin weaving masters Itaro Yamaguchi and Yasujirō Yamaguchi (also source of 3 pics above):
