Japanese traditional clothes –KIMONO, NISIJIN-ORI(2)

From around the 17Th century. these textiles began to be used more widely for women's clothing.

the name NIJIJIN-ORI originates from the time of the ONIN War(from this moment the SENGOKU JIDAI was start), in the 15th century. For 10 years, warring factions of SAMURAI split the capital into rival eastern and western sections. NISIJIN , literally"the western camp" was the main headquarters of the western forces. Because it was also the part of the city where the weavers were concentrated , textiles from this areas came to be called NISIJIN-ORI.

To produce NISIJIN-ORI textiles requires more than 20 separate processes. First, a sketch is made for the outline of the fabric design. Dyeing the threads before they are woven is one of the fundamental features of NISIJIN-ORI. because a countless number of different hues are created, it is possible to produce such beautiful designs with subtle color gradations. based on the design sketch. the dyed threads are woven to produce the fabric. the weave a single bolt of KIMONO fabric takes a tremendous amount of time. sometimes it progresses at a rate of just one centimeter per day. in this weaving method, the reverse side of the fabric is uppermost as the weaving is done. so the weaver has to use a mirror to inspect the progress. it is thanks to such superb workman ship , that NISIJIN-ORI continues to flourish as a mainstream traditional textile craft.