Okinawa | Shuri-ori Weaving

Okinawa | Shuri-ori Weaving

from $550.00

[Private Masterclass]
$280 USD per person.
Minimum 2 participants, solo guests may book at the price of 2 participants.

Please make your booking at least 2 weeks in advance

Number of Participants:

Quantity:

Book

Weave together history and craft in a textile workshop visit led by a family of award-winning shuri-ori artisans

Details

Private Experience
Location: Itoman City, Okinawa
2 hours
5 people max per booking. Minimum 2 participants, solo guests may book at the price of 2 participants.
Offered in Japanese, with friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in English
(French/German/Spanish interpretation may be available upon request)

Stitch by Stitch

With intricate patterns, a variation of colors and motifs, and influences from both international and Indigenous sources, shuri-ori is one of the defining textiles of the Ryukyu Kingdom. A dynasty with origins over 500 years ago, Ryukyu established flourishing trade with neighboring regions, resulting in the importation of various weaving techniques and materials that led to envigorating innovations to the nation's culture, from the historical usage of Thai rice when making awamori alcohol to the various architectural influences on the kingdom's castles. Unlike other types of textile produced in mainland Japan, which generally divides the production of labor into different specialists, shuri-ori artisans complete all steps themselves by hand, working on the same fabric from start to finish. It was also a craftmanship completed and prized by the aristocratic women, from the royal and samurai families, with even the queens expected to weave shuri-ori textiles of high caliber. Enter the studio of a family of shuri-ori artisans, descendants of a former National Living Treasure credited for assisting to keep the craft alive following the physical and cultural destruction caused to Okinawa by World War II, and learn more about this regal cultural craft that's adorned the people of Okinawa for countless generations.

What you’ll do

Learn about the history and techniques of Ryukyu shuri-ori weaving from descendants of a National Living Treasure weaver. See the creation of woven shuri-ori fabric right before your eyes, and even get the chance to try some hands-on weaving. Feel the thriving culture of this over 500-year-old craft.