| Reporter:
Hi everyone! I'm Hokazono, your reporter. How do I look?
I'm wearing a kimono today because I want to tell you about
this sash. This is made from Hakata-ori (Hakata textile).
Isn't it beautiful?
Narration:We
can trace the origins of Hakata-ori back to the Kamakura
Period in the early 13th century. It’s considered to be
based on a textileweaving technique brought back from China
(the Sung Dynasty) by a Hakata merchant by the name of Mitsuda
Yazaemon. Since then, for nearly 760 years, the tradition
has been kept alive by Hakata artisans.
Q:What
are the characteristics of Hakata-ori?
Mr.
Watanabe: The fabric is thick and
solid as it is made with many thin warp threads interwoven
with thick weft threads, using a reed. And when you tie
it, it makes a unique rustling sound.
Reporter:
Wow, you're right! The sound is quite distinctive, isn't
it?
Mr.
Watanabe: This is what we call "kinu-nari
(silk ringing)," a pleasant sound made by the friction
of the silk fabric.
Narration:This
design is called "Goshiki Kenjo," literally meaning
‘five-color tribute.’ Its origin dates back to the early
Edo Period when Kuroda Nagamasa, the feudal lord of Fukuoka
domain, dedicated Hakata-ori to the Tokugawa Shogunate in
order to show his allegiance.
Reporter:What
a beautiful combination of colors...!
Mr.
Watanabe: Yes, the colors are amazing.
These five colors correspond to the ancient Chinese philosophy
of the five elements; wood, fire, earth, metal and water.
For example, purple represents virtue, red is for courtesy,
blue for honor, yellow for trust, and navy blue for wisdom.
Reporter:I
notice that they all feature the same woven pattern .
Mr.
Watanabe:It's called the Kenjo
pattern, the pattern of tribute. The design is based on
two Buddhist altar articles, "dokko" and "flower
dish." Mitsuda Yazaemon, who introduced the Hakata-ori
technique, followed a suggestion made by Shoichi Kokushi,
a founding Buddhist priest of Joten-ji (Joten Temple), and
placed a motif of these two articles in between stripes.
Reporter:Here,
at the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum, visitors can see how
traditional Hakata-ori is woven.
Narration:Mr.
Sajio Kimura is a traditional craftsman. He's been involved
in the making of Hakata-ori for 57 years. Unfortunately,
the number of craftsmen is decreasing drastically.
Reporter:What
are you thinking about when you are weaving?
Mr.
Kimura: Well..., I'm focusing on
the alignment of the edges. I guess it's a kind of craftsman's
pride and spirit to pursue perfection.
Narration:
I also had a go at weaving Hakta-ori myself.
Reporter:Ooops,
I'm sorry!
Reporter:The
actual weaving was a lot more difficult than it appears.
Reporter:
While efforts are made to preserve the charm of this traditional
craft, Hakata-ori is also being promoted overseas.
Narration:
A number of Hakata-ori products blended with modern styles
have been developed as part of a project entitled, "21st
Century, Hakata-ori Japan Brand," which started in
2005.
Narration:
This shop carries bags and small articles made from Hakata-ori.
Ms. Oshiumi:
Hakata-ori is considered to be one of the strongest silk
fabrics in the world. We are planning to combine its distinctive
characteristics with modern design to meet the demand of
the present market.
Reporter:
Hakata-ori represents history and the pride of Hakata artisans.
Narration:
Hakata-ori is the pride and joy of Japan. I would like to
see its tradition kept alive for years to come.
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