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I came to Nagahama, an old town by the northern tip of lake Biwa, where my grandmother's house is, in search of the traditional textile art of the region. Nagahama has been producing a silk fabric called Hama Chirimen for a long time. It is a material that is very soft to the touch because it has delicate textures typical for the tie-dyed fabric. This time, I went down to Aisyo-cho in the eastern part of the lake in search of a fine linen cloth called Omi Jofu, which I had never seen before.
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Lake Biwa in the morning is shining beautifully. However, the surface of the lake is 30 cm lower than usual. This year it has very little rain and also it might be related to the recent climate change all over the world. From Nagahama, we drive south on the Seseragi Kaido along the shores of the lake for about 50 minutes, and head toward Aisyo-cho along Echigawa River. The flow of the river meanders gently in places, and white egrets are resting on the banks. After crossing the old Nakasendo Way, you will arrive at the Omi Jofu Traditional Industry Center.
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This place, named "Yumemachi Terrace Echi", was an elegant two-story wooden house built about 100 years ago, precisely in the 11th year of the Taisho era, and it was formerly the Echi-gun governmental office. The preserved house was finally renovated into the Center in 2018. I caught my eye in this quaint Western-style building. The clear stream of the Echigawa River, which flows out of the Suzuka Mountains and moistens the entire Kot? area, is the secret of the beauty of Omi Jofu.
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Currently, there are several types of hemp thread woven here, but they are roughly divided into three types: hemp (cannabis sativa), ramie (imo hemp), and linen (flax). Since cannabis has been cultivated in this area for a long time, the one woven by hand-crafted cannabis and ramie is usually called Omi Jofu. Artisans came in from Kyoto, and Omi's unique comb-press printing technique was born. Another technique for hand-finishing Omi hemp is called Omi Chijimi, which has a unique texture with delicate small folds on its surface.
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Traditional weaving machines are exhibited in the hall, and colorful linen cloths are lined up in the shop. Vermilion, indigo, purple, scarlet, dark red ... They give us a strong impression that reflects the colors of natural objects. The touch of a Omi Chijimi’s black stole is so soft and cool that I feel the sensation that the craftsman's hands are transferred directly to my skin.
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