Yamagata: Regional weaving style highlights luster of silk

The Yomiuri Shimbun

November 23, 2021

SHINJO, Yamagata — A special exhibition introducing Shinjo Kame-ayaori — a silk fabric created using a traditional weaving style from Shinjo, Yamagata Prefecture — is being held at the Yukinosato Information Center in the city.

Tozawa Masatsugu, the ninth lord of the Shinjo domain, first promoted Shinjo Kame-ayaori as a specialty of the domain in 1830. Since the end of Boshin War (1868-1869), the weaving technique has fallen into a cycle of being discontinued and revived. Two volunteers currently engaged in regional revitalization are taking up the challenge of weaving using the style.

About 50 items that include tools used in the weaving are displayed in the exhibition hall. Among them is a 13-meter-long pure white “tanmono” roll of cloth, whose beautiful luster and precise weave can be seen up close.

The exhibition will be held through Nov. 28. Admission is free. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m