About Chichibu Meisen Silk
Chichibu Meisen is a flat-woven silk fabric produced in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture. A popular silk textile that flourished from the late Meiji to early Showa eras, it is characterized by a unique technique called 'hogushi-nassen' (dissolve printing). By printing the warp threads with stencils before weaving in the weft, soft painterly patterns with blurred outlines are created. Known for pop designs symbolizing Taisho Romanticism and Showa modernism, it is undergoing revival and reappraisal today.
Techniques & Materials
Craft terms are shown in the original Japanese — these are proper names with no standard English equivalents.
Techniques
ほぐし捺染先染め平織り
Materials
絹糸（生糸）染料
Where to see & buy
Workshop names are in Japanese; links go to their official sites.
- 秩父銘仙館 hands-on experience