Karamushi fabric is cool like hemp”Karamushi weaving” is a designated Important Intangible Cultural Property. of FUkushima. The fiber is taken out of out of ramie or ”Karamushi”, a perennial plant of the urticaceae family, spun into yarn, and women to make fabric. At first glance, it looks like hemp cloth, but it is firmer than hemp. It is versatile and can be used for small accessories to fabric for kimono. |
The appeal of Karamushi weavingWe visited a workshop in Showa village and spoke to Tamaki Saito, a Karamushi weaver. Saito is not a native of Showa village. In fact, the village government recruits four trainees every year to relocate to Showa village and learn about Karamushi weaving. Saito came to Showa village as one of those recruits. She remembers being impressed with the snow covered scenery when she first arrived. |
Spinning takes the most timeSaito is involved in the entire process from start to finish. She grows the plants, harvests it, spins yarn and weaves. Of all the different steps, what is most time consuming, more than sitting in front of the loom, is spinning the yarn. |
ACCESS
- Karamushi weaving Tamaki Saito
- Showa village, Onuma, Fukushima