CEC diary [Kyoto] 3 selections of craftsmanship and science and technology that support the Nishijin textile industry
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Nice to meet you all! My name is Akira Setoguchi and I am a CEC member. In "CEC Diary", we, CEC members, will introduce you to the attractive spots in Kyoto that we have seen and heard about. I hope this helps you plan your trip. This time, we will introduce three types of craftsmanship and science ...
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1. Craftsmanship “kanzome”
Do you know “kanzome”? When dyeing thread, the craftsman predicts the finished color and dyes the thread using his own sense. Color it with your senses...? As amateurs like us, we can't imagine it at all, but the thread dyeing process is all done by skilled artisans in order to avoid damaging the threads. It seems that if the dyeing process were to be completely controlled by machines, it would actually take more time. Dyeing is done while predicting the finish of the “wet” yarn after “drying.” It's truly a miracle.
We observed the thread dyeing process, comparing it with samples.
Kanzome technique
2. Science and technology “scouring pot”
The word ``refinement'' is written in a different kanji than the word smelting metal. It's not familiar to me. "Scouring" is a process that removes impurities and proteins attached to the surface of the thread to give it a moist finish. There were many different types of pots, from large pots to small pressure pots that can heat over 100 degrees Celsius, and it was an amazing sight to see.
Special pot for scouring
3. “Handloom” is a fusion of craftsmanship and science and technology.
"Handloom" refers to the technique of weaving by hand by craftsmen using a machine called a jacquard. The jacquard is a device invented in France and introduced to Japan during the Meiji period. I also learned about this for the first time, but it is quite interesting to see how French technology supports traditional Japanese crafts. While automatically controlling the warp threads using a jacquard, craftsmen thread each weft thread one by one based on the drawing. Some Nishijin textiles have over 3,000 warp threads. By controlling these warp threads with jacquard, it is now possible to weave more complex designs more quickly. However, fabrics woven by hand by craftsmen are said to be lighter and more comfortable to wear than completely woven by machines. In the end, Nishijin-ori cannot exist without the skill of the craftsmen!
You can see Noh costumes woven by hand.
This time we introduced the traditional techniques of Nishijin, but what did you think? We hope that you will visit Nishijin and experience the skills of the craftsmen.
May your travels be filled with wonderful experiences.
Planning cooperation｜ Maimai Kyoto
Please contact https://www.cec-kyoto.jp/ for information on ordering a Kyoto guide.
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In Kyoto, a city where students from both Japan and abroad gather, we are an organization of international students and Japanese students living in Kyoto from all over the world. Our "ambassadors" will guide you through Kyoto's cultural tourism in various languages based on our own experiences and knowledge. From existing courses to custom-made special one-day courses, we can accommodate requests from existing courses to custom-made special one-day courses in order to create the best memories, such as knowledge and experience of shrines and temples and gardens, modern architecture, food culture, traditional performing arts, etc., and local encounters. We will respond and help make your days in Kyoto unforgettable. In addition to guided tours, we offer special experiences ranging from events that utilize unique venues to projects that allow you to fully enjoy the seasonal culture of Kyoto.
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