Bashofu , one of Japan’s famous textiles, has been used for traditional Japanese clothing for a long time. Did you know?
Therefore, in this article, we will focus on Bashofu and introduce recommended kimono, apparel, and other items while reviewing the overview.
What is Bashofu?
Bashofu is a textile that has been developed mainly in Kijoka in Ogimi Village in the northern part of the main island of Okinawa. Banana is written as “real basho” in kanji, but all processes from cultivating ito basho, which is a member of “real basho”, to finishing the dough, are done by hand, and bashofu is made.
Not only have high-ranking royal families worn kimonos made from Bashofu since the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom, but it has also been counted as one of the best tributes to China and the Tokugawa family during the Qing Dynasty. On the other hand, it has also been used as a kimono by the general public.
During World War II, which should not be forgotten, the culture of bashofu was in decline for a while, and it was in danger of survival. ” has been designated as an important intangible cultural property of Japan and a traditional craft designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Recommended kimono of Bashofu
First, let’s take a look at various kimonos using Bashofu.
A nine-inch obi with a tasteful pinwheel made of Kijoka Basho cloth
The Nagoya 9-inch obi is made of Kijoka Basho cloth and has an impressive windmill. The unique texture of Bashofu is irresistible. Respect for nature is conveyed through the use of plant dyes such as the traditional Ryukyu indigo, as well as wheel plums. It’s light and breathable, so it’s the perfect obi for summer kimono.
| Product name | [Important Intangible Cultural Property] Kijoka Basho-fu 9-sun obi 6 pattern windmill |
| Price (tax included) | Inquiry required |
| Product page URL | https://miyaharatsumugi.com/products/item1336.php |
| Store name | Miyahara Tsumugi Co., Ltd. |
| Store homepage URL | https://miyaharatsumugi.com |
A 9-sun obi with a full pattern made from Kijoka Basho cloth.
Nagoya nine-inch obi with a full pattern made of Kijoka Basho cloth. The kasuri pattern, which conveys that it has been carefully woven by hand, is not only dyed with Ryukyu indigo, but also uses plant dyes such as wheel plum, soushi tree, fukugi, mango, and madder, giving it a rustic texture. not. An obi that allows you to enjoy the traditional Okinawan basho cloth.
| Product name | [Important Intangible Cultural Property] Kijoka Bashofu Nine-sun Obi Zentama Yashiramie |
| Price (tax included) | Inquiry required |
| Product page URL | https://miyaharatsumugi.com/products/item1334.php |
| Store name | Miyahara Tsumugi Co., Ltd. |
| Store homepage URL | https://miyaharatsumugi.com |
A 9-inch belt with a quanka key pattern made from Kijoka’s simmered basho cloth.
The Nagoya 9-cm obi made from Kijoka’s simmered basho cloth is woven with a quan-kaki (ring), which is counted as one of the traditional Kasuri patterns. Kwankaki is a chain-like pattern of mulberry, which represents small rings. The overall gradation is beautiful and eye-catching.
| Product name | [Important Intangible Cultural Property] Kijoka Bashofu 9-sun Obi, Boiled Bashofu Kwankaki Six Pattern |
| Price (tax included) | Inquiry required |
| Product page URL | https://miyaharatsumugi.com/products/item1087.php |
| Store name | Miyahara Tsumugi Co., Ltd. |
| Store homepage URL | https://miyaharatsumugi.com |
Nine-inch obi of Yashiramie gradation made of Kijoka’s simmered basho cloth
Nagoya 9-inch obi made from Kijoka’s simmered basho cloth. Red is the base color, and palm ramie patterns are woven in yellow and green. Yasramie is a checkered pattern that is woven while changing the arrangement, and it can be said that the traditional Japanese pattern is expressed in an Okinawan way. Since it contains red, it should be easy to match with various kimonos.
| Product name | [Important Intangible Cultural Property] Kijoka Bashofu, Nine-sun Obi, Boiled Bashofu, Yasramie Flower Weave, Red Background, Six Patterns |
| Price (tax included) | Inquiry required |
| Product page URL | https://miyaharatsumugi.com/products/item1031.php |
| Store name | Miyahara Tsumugi Co., Ltd. |
| Store homepage URL | https://miyaharatsumugi.com |
A nine-inch obi with a Zindamer pattern made from Kijoka basho cloth.
Of course, this Nagoya nine-inch obi is also made of Kijoka Bashofu. The unique pattern is called “Zindamer”, which means coin. Zindermer is woven in a continuous fashion, giving it an accent that is not too plain. It has a smooth and light texture, so it is recommended for the hot summer season.
| Product name | [Important Intangible Cultural Property] Kijoka Bashofu, 9-sun obi, Rokutsu pattern, coin |
| Price (tax included) | Inquiry required |
| Product page URL | https://miyaharatsumugi.com/products/item492.php |
| Store name | Miyahara Tsumugi Co., Ltd. |
| Store homepage URL | https://miyaharatsumugi.com |
A kimono made of Basho cloth in a calm color
A kimono based on the calm color of Bashofu. The fibers are hard and durable, but at the same time, it is thin and light, so it is breathable and comfortable to wear. Although it is a second-hand item, there are no particular spots of concern other than one stain on the back of the collar, and the condition is not bad. You can wear it when going out, including going to the theater.
| Product name | [Used] Special summer Basho cloth recycled kimono Kasuri pattern Aroma color Length 164cm Sleeve 63cm Large size Traditional gem A726-4 |
| Price (tax included) | 419,980 yen |
| Product page URL | https://item.rakuten.co.jp/kimono-hojo/a726-4/ |
| Store name | Kimono Hojo |
| Store homepage URL | https://www.rakuten.ne.jp/gold/kimono-hojo/ |
Recommended apparel from Bashofu
Today, it is not only Japanese clothing that is made using Bashofu. We will introduce recommended apparel.
A sour three-dimensional mask with basho cloth as one point
The outer material is made of dark brown hemp fabric, with Basho cloth as a focal point, and the lining is made of white double gauze. The overall impression is chic and calm, so it can be worn in any occasion, regardless of gender. It is a wonderful mask that can create a traditional Japanese atmosphere without feeling stuffy.
| Product name | 22 Three-dimensional mask Bashofu hemp brown |
| Price (tax included) | 3,500 yen |
| Product page URL | https://minne.com/items/24903031 |
| Store name | MOMENBANA’S GALLERY |
| Store homepage URL | https://minne.com/@momenbana |
A T-shirt made of Kijoka Basho cloth with a cute cat wearing a bamboo basket.
A cute T-shirt with a cat wearing a bamboo basket. If you are a fan of Kijoka’s bashofu, this bamboo basket is an essential item for ramie, and is called “unjoki” in Okinawa. If you like cats, Kijoka Bashofu, bamboo baskets, or Okinawa, this is the perfect item for you.
| Product name | Unjoki Cat T-shirt |
| Price (tax included) | 2,500 yen |
| Product page URL | https://www.bashofu.com/product-page/Unjoki cat-t-shirt |
| Store name | Bashofu WEB SHOP |
| Store homepage URL | https://www.bashofu.com |
A simple cutter shirt woven with Yoron island basho cloth.
A cutter shirt luxuriously woven with Yoron island basho cloth. It is simple and comfortable to wear, and it seems to be active in the business scene. If you have one, you can mix and match it, so it is sure to come in handy. Of course, it can be worn casually, such as when going to the shopping center for a while, so it can be said that it is a versatile piece for any occasion.
| Product name | [Made-to-order] Yoron Shimabasho cloth cutter shirt |
| Price (tax included) | 23,760 yen |
| Product page URL | https://minne.com/items/28912837 |
| Store name | Yoron Folk Village |
| Store homepage URL | https://minne.com/@rink-yrn |
Recommended items of Bashofu
Finally, let’s take a look at our favorite bashofu items.
Bookmarks made from Yoron Island Bashofu
Bookmarks made from Yoron bashofu will make your reading time special. Bashofu, which has a cool and unique hardness to the touch each time you read it, reminds you of the traditions of Okinawa. It seems to be appreciated as a gift for yourself, as a souvenir, or as a souvenir.
| Product name | Yoron Island Bashofu Bookmark |
| Price (tax included) | 1,980 yen |
| Product page URL | https://minne.com/items/17515146 |
| Store name | Yoron Folk Village |
| Store homepage URL | |
Sweets cutout made of banana cloth with a silver toothpick
Kashikiri is indispensable when eating delicious Japanese sweets such as yokan. This item is a bashofu confectionery box that includes a luxurious silver toothpick. A perfect gift for those who enjoy Japanese sweets on a daily basis. It will be appreciated if you give two as a pair, or for the number of family members.
| Product name | Cake cutout (silver) |
| Price (tax included) | 4,300 yen |
| Product page URL | https://www.bashofu.com/product-page/Confectionery cut-silver |
| Store name | Bashofu WEB SHOP |
| Store homepage URL | https://www.bashofu.com |
Sweets cutout made of basho cloth with a set of soot bamboo toothpicks
This is a sweets box made of bashofu that comes with a soot bamboo toothpick. Toothpicks are resistant to mold, and the more you use them, the better the texture will be. The most important confectionery cut is 5 colors: “blue” by Ryukyu Ai, “brown” by Soushiki, “red” by Indian Akane, “yellow” by Fukuki, and “green” by Fukuki and Ryukyu Ai. . It is an item that makes you want to prepare all colors unintentionally.
| Product name | Sweets cutting (soot bamboo) |
| Price (tax included) | 4,100 yen |
| Product page URL | https://www.bashofu.com/product-page/Confectionery cut-soot bamboo |
| Store name | Bashofu WEB SHOP |
| Store homepage URL | https://www.bashofu.com |
Mars case, a traditional amulet made from scraps of Kijoka basho cloth
In Okinawa, there is a custom of carrying so-called “masu” salt, which is used to ward off evil or bring good luck. Because this item is made using remnants of Kijoka bashofu, the front and back are made of different fabrics, and the sizes are all different, making each one a truly unique design. Recommended as a gift for someone special.
| Product name | Kijoka Bashofu Mars Bag |
| Price (tax included) | 1,380 yen |
| Product page URL | https://www.bashofu.com/product-page/ Kijoka Bashofu – Mars Bag |
| Store name | Bashofu WEB SHOP |
| Store homepage URL | https://www.bashofu.com |
A business card holder made from the rare simmered basho cloth.
A business card holder made of colorful cowhide and rare simmered basho cloth. Although it is simple, the simmered banana cloth part is accented, making it an item with a different impression from others. There are 3 pockets inside, and the main pocket has a gusset, so the capacity is perfect.
| Product name | Niseki Bashofu business card holder |
| Price (tax included) | 17,520 yen |
| Product page URL | https://www.bashofu.com/product-page/Niseki Bashofu-Business Card Holder |
| Store name | Bashofu WEB SHOP |
| Store homepage URL | https://www.bashofu.com |
Business card holder made of bashofu made by combining cowhide
This is also a business card holder made of bashofu, which is made by combining cowhide. The triangular bashofu gives off a fashionable and stylish impression. The blue, green, and brown base colors are also subdued, so it doesn’t matter who uses it. It is an item that will please people of all ages, so it is also recommended as a gift.
| Product name | Bashofu business card holder |
| Price (tax included) | 8,720 yen |
| Product page URL | https://www.bashofu.com/product-page/Business card holder |
| Store name | Bashofu WEB SHOP |
| Store homepage URL | https://www.bashofu.com |
Gamaguchi coin case made of basho cloth
Gamaguchi Ima case made of basho cloth. The item has a very calm color and can be used by elderly people without hesitation. Pick leather is used inside, and bohemian beads are sewn on the tassel attached as a decoration, so you can see that the design was made with attention to detail.
| Product name | Bashofu brass original coin case |
| Price (tax included) | 5,000 yen |
| Product page URL | https://minne.com/items/29048073 |
| Store name | BRANSEAL1029’S GALLERY |
| Store homepage URL | https://minne.com/@branseal1029 |
A long wallet made of Yoron Island Bashofu
A long wallet made by combining Yoron Shimabashofu and leather. The base is made of leather, and of course it is sturdy, but it will gradually become familiar with the tasteful color as you use it. The inside is extremely functional, and not only can you store bills and coins, but you can also neatly organize and store cards, making it an item that you can use for a long time.
| Product name | [Limited item] Yoron island basho cloth long wallet, unbleached leather |
| Price (tax included) | 54,120 yen |
| Product page URL | https://minne.com/items/27908378 |
| Store name | Yoron Folk Village |
| Store homepage URL | https://minne.com/@rink-yrn |
Large-capacity tote bag made of banana cloth
A large-capacity tote bag that uses plenty of banana cloth. It has a wide shape and a very high storage capacity, so it seems to be useful as a bag for commuting and as a bag for day trips. Another point to check is that the handle is made of wild grape vine. The price is just a reference price, and since it is made-to-order, they will consult with you about the design and size, so you can get one bag in the world.
| Product name | [Made-to-order] Basho cloth tote bag |
| Price (tax included) | 50,000 yen |
| Product page URL | https://minne.com/items/6016174 |
| Store name | CHIYO23’S GALLERY |
| Store homepage URL | https://minne.com/@chiyo23 |
summary
In this article, we reviewed the overview of Bashofu, a famous Japanese dyeing and weaving method , and introduced recommended kimono, apparel, and other items.
As a kimono, young people may have a slightly sober impression, but if it is a modern-style apparel or item, I think you can incorporate it without hesitation.
Please try to find your favorite as an item that you can feel the traditional culture of Okinawa.