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About Tanba Textile (Tanba-nuno)
Tanba Textile, known in Japanese as Tanba-nuno, is a traditional handwoven cotton fabric produced in the Tanba region of Hyogo Prefecture.
It is celebrated for its rustic warmth, natural plant-dyed colors, and intricate patterns of fine stripes and checks.
■ 1. History
Tanba textile emerged during the late Edo to early Meiji periods as a home–woven fabric created by farming families.
Women wove the cloth during the agricultural off-season, making it an essential household craft.
The craft declined in the early 20th century due to industrialized cotton production, but it was later revived by the textile researcher Yanagi Etsuhiro, who worked tirelessly to restore and preserve its traditional techniques.
■ 2. Materials
Traditional Tanba textile uses:
Hand-spun Japanese cotton
Silk threads, often mixed with cotton
Natural plant dyes, such as:
madder
indigo
walnut
chestnut
camellia root
The use of natural fibers and dyes gives the cloth its soft, organic color palette.
■ 3. Characteristics
✔ Fine stripes and checks
Tanba textile is known for its delicate stripe and check patterns created through complex color arrangements.
✔ Rustic and warm texture
The irregularity of hand-spun cotton gives the fabric a natural, handmade charm.
✔ Plant-dyed natural colors
Deep indigo, warm browns, muted reds, and earthy tones are typical.
✔ Durable and functional
Originally used for everyday clothing, wrapping cloths, and bedding, the material is strong and practical.
■ 4. Modern Appreciation
Today, Tanba textile is regarded as an important part of Japan’s Folk Craft (Mingei) tradition and is appreciated by:
textile collectors
designers
embroidery and craft artists
folk craft enthusiasts
museums and researchers
antique fabric collectors
Its combination of beauty, history, and craftsmanship makes it highly valued in Japan and abroad.
Traditional Production Process of Tanba Textile
Tanba textile is created through a meticulous handmade process involving hand-spinning, natural dyeing, and hand-weaving.
Every step reflects the craftsmanship and rural lifestyle of the Tanba region.
1. Harvesting and Preparing Cotton
Historically, local Japanese cotton (wamen) was harvested, and the seeds were removed by hand.
2. Cotton fluffing (Wata-uchi)
The cotton fibers are loosened and fluffed using a bow-like tool, aligning the fibers for spinning.
3. Hand-spinning
The fluffed cotton is spun on a traditional spinning wheel.
Hand-spun threads naturally have irregular thickness, giving Tanba textile its warm, rustic character.
4. Natural Dyeing (Plant Dyeing)
Threads are dyed using natural plant materials gathered in the region, such as:
indigo
madder
walnut
chestnut bark
camellia root
mugwort
This results in soft, organic color tones unique to Tanba textile.
5. Preparing the Warp and Weft
The dyed threads are arranged into warp and weft according to the intended pattern.
This preparation requires precise color planning to create the signature fine stripes and checks.
6. Hand-weaving
The fabric is woven on a traditional handloom, producing:
fine stripes
checks
small dotted patterns
The steady rhythm of hand-weaving creates a durable fabric with a natural, handmade texture.
7. Finishing
The finished textile is washed and steamed to stabilize the fibers, enhancing its softness and durability.
English: Introduction to the Hirota Tsumugi Website
Hirota Tsumugi is a dedicated platform that explores and shares the richness of traditional Japanese textiles with a global audience.
Based in Kyoto, the site offers in-depth information on Japan’s handwoven fabrics, their history, craftsmanship, and cultural significance.
The blog section (Blogen) features detailed articles about iconic Japanese textiles such as Tanba-Nuno, Yuki Tsumugi, Kurume Kasuri, and others. Each article delves into the historical background, materials, production techniques, and cultural context of the textiles. This makes the site an exceptional resource for both enthusiasts and researchers.
In particular, the site provides insightful coverage of rare and historically significant textiles. Articles on fabrics like Tanba-Nuno not only explain production methods and materials but also highlight regional heritage, revival efforts by artisans, and the broader cultural landscape in which these textiles exist.
In addition to product and craft articles, the site also offers educational content on natural dyes, yarn types, weaving techniques, and updates on exhibitions and events. With English content available, Hirota Tsumugi is accessible to textile lovers and professionals around the world.
Let's go to the site!
A fabric that breathes with the land of Tanba.
