We have developed the lightest Ichikoshi chirimen ever.
Oharihako's online shop has started selling by the cut the "Shirayuki Chirimen" plain white fabric, made of Hitokoshi chirimen. This is real silk from Nagahama. Today, I'd like to tell you a little about this fabric.
Authentic Silk from a Disappearing Production Region
Shiga's Nagahama was once known as Japan's foremost chirimen village. It was a production region for the highest quality white fabrics, where a single weaving mill handled the entire process from twisting high-quality raw silk to weaving and finishing.
However, with the decline in demand for traditional Japanese clothing, production continues to decrease. Even now, including all varieties, only about 8,000 bolts are produced annually. Nevertheless, seven artisans continue to preserve and pass on this top-quality white fabric.
Is That "Hitokoshi" Real Silk?
In the world of tsumami zaiku (pinched fabric flowers), "Hitokoshi chirimen" is a well-known and trusted fabric name. However, much of the Hitokoshi chirimen available today is made from chemical fibers such as rayon or polyester.
What we offer is "Hon-Hitokoshi," made of genuine silk. It boasts an elegant luster and feel that only real silk can provide. The colors develop clearly, and it's less prone to shrinking than chemical fibers. And because it's a white fabric, you can dye it to your desired color yourself.
Hitokoshi for Tsumami Zaiku After 116 Years
Hitokoshi chirimen was created in 1910, and it was born right here in Nagahama.
We felt we couldn't let this authentic Hitokoshi disappear. With that in mind, 116 years after its birth, we have newly created Hitokoshi chirimen woven as thinly as possible specifically for tsumami zaiku. We named it "Shirayuki Chirimen."
A regular bolt of Hitokoshi weighs approximately 750 grams. By using finer threads and innovative weaving techniques, we've reduced it to about 520 grams. This means the fabric is calculated to be about 30% lighter than regular Hitokoshi. The fact that the fabric doesn't shift even when woven this thinly is solely due to Nagahama's reliable weaving technology.
It's easy to fold and feels light even when layered. Each small petal turns out beautifully. Furthermore, only 127 bolts of Hitokoshi chirimen will be woven in Nagahama in 2025. It is a rare silk, with only a very small amount produced even in its place of origin.
From 30cm, Just the Amount You Need
As Oharihako, a silk thread wholesaler in Nishijin, Kyoto, that has dedicated itself solely to silk, we propose a new form of silk fabric. Not just for kimonos, but for all who love handicrafts. Real silk, in just the amount you need.
You can specify cut lengths starting from 30cm, in 10cm increments. The price is 550 yen/10cm (tax included). A whole bolt (approximately 13m) is 52,800 yen (tax included). You can use it white for white flowers, or dye it to your favorite color because it's silk. Enjoy it to your heart's content with the same fabric used in Oharihako's classes.
This is a rare fabric with limited quantities. If you are interested in "Shirayuki Chirimen," please take this opportunity to try it.
Click here for details and purchase of Shirayuki Chirimen (Hitokoshi Chirimen White Fabric):
/pages/hitokoshi-chirimen
