Introduction Japanese Made Fabrics:
Introduction Japanese Made Fabrics takes us to Awa Shijira-ori, a cotton textile produced in Awa, an old province of Japan, now Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku.
Introduction Japanese Made Fabrics highlights a fascinating story: it was developed through an accidental discovery by Hana Kaifu, a weaver from Awa-Atake Village during the Meiji Restoration. When stripped cotton clothes were left to dry in the summer sun after a sudden rain, fine wrinkles appeared on the surface, giving the fabric its unique texture.
The fine wrinkles created by differences in the tension of the wrap threads give Awa Shijira-ori an unique uneven texture. It allows air to pass through and one can stay cool while wearing it. Not only is it comfortable to wear, but the fabric also looks light and summery.
The cotton cloth is carefully folded and dipped in 75℃ water and dried in the sun to create the fine wrinkles and patterns called shibo. Shibo gives a lightness to the fabric and prevents the fabric from sticking to the skin when sweating. The cotton fabric is also highly absorbent and it is an ideal fabric to wear during the hot muggy summer. Our collection of Awa Shijira-ori consists of mostly plain non-patterned designs which can be used for clothes and household goods.
Textile Manufacturer
Nagao Orifu
Established in 1897.
The company originally started as a manufacturer of mostly plain white shijira weaves often used for monks’ undergarments. After the national cotton production restriction was lifted in 1951, Nagao Orifu started manufacturing cotton fabrics of various colors and patterns. The company takes great pride in the high quality of their fabric, and the entire manufacturing process from dyeing to weaving to finishing is done in-house, at their manufacturing facility in Tokushima.
Recommended Uses
Awa Shijira-ori’s unique airy and light quality can be most enjoyed where the fabric is in direct contact with skin. We recommend Awa Shijira-ori to be used for clothing such as pajamas, shirts and workwears. Due to its wide width, it also can be used for futon or duvet covers.
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