Nishijin Textiles

Nishijin ori is a general term for Sakizome, or brocade-type textile in which the thread is dyed before weaving and the design is then woven into the fabric using a jacquard loom. It specifically refers to the textiles produced in Kyoto since the Heian period. Nishijin textiles were designated as a Japanese traditional craft in 1976. Within the category of Nishijin textiles there are twelve different types of fabric each created using different processes. The types of finished items that Nishijin ori is most known for are Kimono, Obi, Noh costume, Doncho, neckties, shawls,and interior decoration items.

The history of Nishijin Ori begins in the Muromachi era, after the end of the Onin War, (1467-1477) when textile craftsmen, who had dispersed throughout the country, gathered in the western region of Kyoto that was then coming to be known as Nishijin. The name, which literally means “West -territory” originated as a result of the location of the western military troop.

The art of the trade has been kept alive eversince and Nishijin textile is currently a moderate sized corporation which continues to operate in the North-western area of Kyoto.

Kyoto Tourism Federation. “Nishijin Textiles.” Official Site for Kyoto Prefecture, Japan Kyoto Tourism, http://www.kyototourism.org/en/experiences/dining-and-specialties/nishijin-textiles.html.

“Nishijin Industry.” Nishijin Textile Industry Association, Nishijin Textile Center, http://nishijin.or.jp/eng/whats-nishijin/industry.

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Japanese Textile History

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