Kurume Kasuri, the tradition of Fukuoka/福岡の伝統、久留米絣

yamamo_cchi · August 25, 2023, 11:39pm

The hot days are still continuing in Japan.
How is it in your area?

In a previous issue, we introduced a traditional Japanese way to beat the heat: uchimizu.
https://www.localguidesconnect.com/t5/General-Discussion/The-old-custom-of-sprinkling-water-with-a-ladle-or-by-hand-on/td-p/3637494

In this issue, we introduce clothing.

We will introduce Kurume Kasuri, a traditional textile produced in Kurume City, located in the southern part of Fukuoka Prefecture.

Kasuri is a textile with a dyed pattern or pattern woven in such a way that the pattern is “grazed” in some places.

Because it is made of cotton, it is lightweight and very comfortable to wear in summer.

This exhibition event was recently held at a nearby department store.
The store is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.
Daimaru Fukuoka Tenjin

https://goo.gl/maps/2659z3PE9nuQRDBw5

It is said that Den Inoue, a 12-year-old girl at the time, was the creator of Kurume kasuri.

It is also familiar in Fukuoka City, where it is used as a costume for the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival.

This event also included a demonstration event using a weaving loom.

Video

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/aPqniw8OL7M

You could also order shirts for men from 6,000 yen and skirts from 8,000 yen in your favorite fabrics.
The day I visited was the last day of the event, and the order process was closed.

A detailed explanation of Kurume kasuri can be found on the Tourism Association’s website (in Japanese).

https://www.crossroadfukuoka.jp/feature/traditionalcrafts/kurumekasuri

Kurume Kasuri Association(in English)

https://kurumekasuri.jp/en/

Jibasan Kurume (Kurume Kasuri Museum)

https://goo.gl/maps/MXoGx8X2VD5apiDs5

Are there any traditional ideas left in your community that you are comfortable with?
I believe this is a good time to take a fresh look.

日本語

まだまだ暑い日が続く日本。

皆さんが住んでいるエリアはいかがですか？

以前は日本の伝統的な暑さのしのぎ方、「打ち水」を紹介しました。

https://www.localguidesconnect.com/t5/General-Discussion/The-old-custom-of-sprinkling-water-with-a-ladle-or-by-hand-on/td-p/3637494

今回は衣服の紹介です。

福岡県の南部、久留米市で伝統的な織物である「久留米絣」を紹介します。

絣とは模様がところどころにおいて「かすった」ように織られた染め文様、もしくはそのような文様を持つ織物です。

綿織物ですから、軽くて夏はとても過ごしやすく着ることが出来ます。

先日、この展示会イベントが近所の百貨店で行われました。

今年70周年を迎えるお店です。

大丸福岡天神店

https://goo.gl/maps/2659z3PE9nuQRDBw5

久留米絣の作り出したのは当時12歳の少女であった井上伝と言われています。

福岡市でも馴染みがあり、博多祇園山笠の衣装にも使われております。

今回のイベントでは織り機を使った実演イベントなども行われていました。

ビデオ

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/aPqniw8OL7M

気に入った生地で男性向けのシャツが6,000円から、スカートが8,000円からオーダーをすることも出来ました。

私が訪問した日がイベントの最終日で受付も終了しており、次回チャンスが有ればぜひオーダーを。

詳しい説明は観光協会のサイトにもあります。

https://www.crossroadfukuoka.jp/feature/traditionalcrafts/kurumekasuri

地場産くるめ（施設内に資料館あり）

https://goo.gl/maps/MXoGx8X2VD5apiDs5

みなさんが住む地域に、快適に過ごせる伝統的なアイディアは残っていますか？

今一度見つめ直すいい機会だと私は考えます。

shaileno · August 26, 2023, 12:36am

so nice post, @yamamo_cchi looms work is continuing nowadays it’s very hard work. The world has very few people working on the loom process.

yamamo_cchi · August 26, 2023, 4:52am

@ShailendraOjha

Thanks for the comment.
This event showcased a workshop where young people are active.
I also saw students interviewing and learning.
Especially in traditional crafts, there are few people in Japan who take over even if there is a demand.

NunungAfuah · August 30, 2023, 12:13pm

What a beautiful fabric @yamamo_cchi ! What your recommendations to buy for first time traveling to Japan?

yamamo_cchi · August 30, 2023, 1:39pm

@NunungAfuah

Thanks for the comment!
What are your interests?
It’s hard to answer because it depends!
Ask some local guides in Japan.

I buy local sake and other good things from the area!

NunungAfuah · August 30, 2023, 1:49pm

Well I don’t drink alcohol @yamamo_cchi , I want to buy traditional kite that I usually see in anime. The shape is like fish. I forgot the name. Can I find it in convenience store? Or should I buy in certain traditional shop?

yamamo_cchi · August 30, 2023, 2:03pm

@NunungAfuah

Thanks for your reply.

Sorry about the alcohol.

Is it possible to capture (take a picture of) the screen of that anime?
I’ll look into it and see what I can find out

NunungAfuah · August 30, 2023, 2:09pm

No worries about alcohol @yamamo_cchi

I found this picture about the kite I mentioned before:

Can I find it in every convenience store?

yamamo_cchi · August 30, 2023, 9:59pm

@NunungAfuah

Thanks for the pictures!
This is called a carp banner (Koinobori).

It is used for the Boys’ Festival in early May.
The one for girls is in early March.

In convenience stores, depending on the time of year, there may be sizes that can be held by small hands.
It is not available all year round.

If you want a large size like the one in the picture, please visit a department store or a store that sells Japanese dolls.
Here is one of the stores specializing in Japanese dolls.
It is a chain store operating in Japan.

Ningyou no Kyugetsu Asakusabashi

https://goo.gl/maps/EgJbE88mpjbn7CTW6

If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact me!