Textiles

Omi Jofu Hemp Cloth

近江上布

RegionShiga — 高島市・東近江市
Originsc. 1600
StatusMETI-designated Traditional Craft

About Omi Jofu Hemp Cloth

Omi jofu is a hemp textile produced in the areas around Takashima City and Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture. Developed utilizing the climate around Lake Biwa in the Koto and Kohoku regions and their abundant water resources, it is known as a high-quality jofu woven from finely twisted hemp thread. Prized as a high-end summer kimono and yukata fabric, it is characterized by a unique cool feeling and texture. Products processed with a crinkle finish, also called 'Omi chijimi,' are also produced.

Techniques & Materials

Craft terms are shown in the original Japanese — these are proper names with no standard English equivalents.

Techniques

麻糸の精紡手織り縮み加工(ちぢみ)

Materials

麻糸(苧麻)

Where to see & buy

Workshop names are in Japanese; links go to their official sites.

Where it is made

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