"Kodama Shicen Studio" introduces the attraction of the Kyoto traditional craft, Nishijin (Tsuzure Weaving) Obi.

It is said that tsuzure weaving is originated in Egypt.
Tsuzure weaving clothes were found from tomb of a king in the 15th century BC. It spread over the world, and then it was introduced to the East from the Silk Road. When it got to the East, threads to weave changed from wool to silk.
With improved technology, Oriental own style of tsuzure weaving was completed.

It is believed that tsuzure weaving came to Japan in Aska era.
It was said that Kenzuishi and Kentoushi who are Japanese official diplomatic delegations sent to China at that time imported tsuzure weaving from China.
However, after that, tsuzure weaving disappeared.
Tsuzure weaving that was led to current style originated in Nishijin in Edo era. At that time, nishijin technology had momentum as if outperforming China, and people in Nishijin made many useful products.

Tsuzure weaving expresses patterns using weft thread only.
It is a kind of plain weaving.

As for Japanese Nishijin "Tsumekaki Hon Tsuzure", there is a lot of regulations.
For example, the size and the type of looms, the thickness and the kind of threads, the number of weaving weft, and othre tools, etc.

Weavers chased their nails, and use them to draw weft threads.
This is "Tsumekaki Hon Tsuzure" technique. It required high skill to weave.
We can make three-dimensional textile as well because its weaving style is as if drawing a picture with weft threads on warp threads.
But this weaving method is very time-consuming. It is common that it takes a day to weave a few centimeters.