A weaving technique 'Hogushi' was invented in the early 20th century in Chichibu. It became trandy and fashionable as a fabric of a daily-wear Kimono, with modern and stylish patterns during Taisho to early Showa era.

The technique, print patterns on the warp before weaving, has difficulty with the machanization. Therefore it is still printed diligently by hand of a craftsman, and is woven by a traditional wooden weaving machine.

Although the number of craftsmen is only few at present.　We would like to maintain and succeed to this traditional technique, introducing to many people its charm.

Chichibu meisen weaver

ARAKEI textile

 

'Hogushi' Chichibu where is in the center of Japan in Saitama prefecture. has been famous place for sericulture and its silk fabrics since Edo era.At the end of this era (the middle of 19th Century), one of the weaving technique Hogushi was invented and developed there. At the biginning, the warp is hold by interim weaving. a fabric is remove from a weaving machine, to print on by a stencil. Having done printing, the real weft is woven, untying interim weft.This process is called 'Hogushi'. The charcteristic of Hogushi fabric is pretty light but duable, the both side of the fabric would be use. Because of only warp printing, the pattern is soft and blurred, even if it is bold and colour is vivid.

  

 

Arakei Textile 

 　37－9 Nakamiyajicho

　Chichibu-shi Saitama Japan

　e-mail　arakei_orimono@ybb.ne.jp