Awa Shoai Shijira-ori (Indigo Weaving)

“Awa Shijira-ori” was first made in the beginning of Meiji Era (late 19th century), getting the idea from kimonos (Japanese traditional clothing) hanging outside getting shrunk due to the rain.

It features a unique uneven appearance in the surface called shibo by applying a different weaving tension to the warp and the weft, using a different number of threads and combinations.

Outstanding technique and experience are required to create shibo as it needs precise calculations of the tension balance to make the design. shibo makes clothes smooth, light and without being sticky even if you sweat; therefore, it is useful especially for summer clothes (Cool Biz).

Awa Shoai Shijira-ori (Awa Shijira-ori using natural Awa indigo) was designated as National Traditional Craft in July 1978. (Designated under the name of “Awa Shijira-ori” as Tokushima Prefecture Traditional Specialty)