Fabrics of Shuri

The Shuri textile is produced using traditional dyeing and weaving techniques developed and inherited over five hundred years in the Ryukyu Dynasty capital of Shuri and its surrounding areas. It made a unique development while incorporating influences of China and Southeastern Asian cultures. The fabrics of high techniques and excellent design were worn mostly by aristocrats and shizoku (warriors) classes and their main weavers were wives and daughters of shizoku. The fabrics were one of the jobs they were proud of. There are seven Shuri textile techniques handed down to the current age: Shuri Hanaori, Roton Ori, Hanakura Ori, Muru-tutchiri, Tejima, Nihgashii Basho-fu and Hanaori Tekin. Silk is the main raw material but Choma and Ito-Basho are also used. Ryukyu indigo and other plant dyes are used and weaving is done by handlooms called “Jihata” and “Takahata” (tall handloom) using a throwing shuttle.

For dyeing/weaving techniques inherited in one locality, the Shuri fabrics have some unique features in their variety and sophisticated quality.

It is one of the country’s representative weaving arts that is historically and artistically valuable and shows an excellent local beauty.