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Shinjo Kameayaori

This silk weaving began during the Edo Bunsei period under the ninth lord of the Shinjo domain, Tozawa Masatsugu, and underwent a series of unsuccessful revival attempts. It has been referred to as “The Mythical Silk Textile,” and work is currently underway to restore it once again. Shinjo Kameayaori is a top-quality twill weave silk fabric, woven entirely by hand, beginning from the manufacturing of the raw silk thread that is its defining feature. Its distinctive features are its soft texture, elegant luster, and supple feel.

Shinjo Ayaori

This is the general term for the silk twill weave that descends from Shinjo Kameayaori, some of which are machine-woven or chemically dyed. In addition to bolts of fabric, the Shinjo Kameayaori Traditional Culture Association also produces small accessories that make use of the characteristics of the weave, planned by the Association. Small items such as bookmarks, keychains, business card holders, fukusa (purse wrapping cloths), and neckties are all included under the term “Shinjo Ayaori.”

Mogami Shinjo-ori

Based on the techniques of Nishijin weaving in Kyoto, this plain-weave silk fabric is handwoven exclusively by the Shinjo Kameayaori Traditional Culture Association, incorporating materials from Yamagata Prefecture, mainly from the Shinjo Mogami district.

We mainly produce kimono obi belts using this fabric.

The Differences Between
"Shinjo Kameayaori" and "Shinjo Ayaori"

The Shinjo Kameayaori Traditional Culture Association, aiming to register the trademark "Shinjo Kameayaori" and to turn it into a brand, has defined "Shinjo Kameayaori" as "hand-woven silk fabric on a handloom" that follows the original manufacturing process, "post-refined," and "a traditional twill weave" that was born in the historic castle town of Shinjo during the Edo period and has been passed down since. For this reason, the association has decided to call even the once machine-woven fabric that was once woven "Shinjo Ayaori,” in order to differentiate it from the hand-woven "Shinjo Kameayaori." It is currently being discussed to additionally differentiate by the stage at which color is dyed to the threads or fabric.

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