Bingo Kasuri
Bingo Kasuri (備後絣) is a traditional kasuri (ikat) textile produced in the Bingo region of present-day Hiroshima Prefecture. It is recognized as one of the three major kasuri traditions of Japan, alongside Kurume Kasuri and Iyo Kasuri. Bingo Kasuri is known for its strong cotton construction, finely controlled resist-dyed patterns, and its historical role in large-scale textile production and distribution during the late Edo and Meiji periods.
History
The production of kasuri in the Bingo region developed during the early 19th century. The area around Fukuyama and its neighboring weaving villages became an important textile center due to:
- Access to cotton-growing regions around the Seto Inland Sea
- Well-developed transportation networks, including river and coastal trade routes
- Skilled local weaving guilds and dye workshops
By the late Edo period, Bingo Kasuri was shipped widely throughout western and central Japan. In the Meiji period, the region was among the first to adopt mechanized spinning and dyeing, allowing Bingo Kasuri to become a major mass-produced cloth for everyday kimono and work garments.
Materials
Bingo Kasuri is traditionally woven from:
- Cotton yarns
Dye sources historically used:
- Natural indigo (藍染)
- Later, synthetic indigo and chemical dyes for broader color range
Thread preparation, resist-tying, and dyeing could be carried out separately by different specialized workshops.
Technique
Key features include:
- Pre-dyed warp and/or weft threads (kasuri method)
- Repeating geometric patterns — often small-scale and rhythmically arranged
- Strong, durable cotton weave suitable for daily wear
Patterns commonly include:
- Grids and checks
- Small diamonds
- Stepped or staggered motifs
- Combinations of stripes and blurred forms
Compared to Kurume Kasuri, Bingo Kasuri typically shows:
- Finer and more precise pattern edges
- Slightly tighter and firmer weave structure
These traits reflect Bingo’s orientation toward production efficiency and technical regularity.
Cultural Significance
Bingo Kasuri reflects:
- The transition from home-based weaving to regional-scale textile industry
- Material culture of townspeople and agricultural workers
- Aesthetic values of practicality, modesty, and rhythm
It is an important example of how a folk textile tradition adapted to early industrialization.
Modern Status
Today, Bingo Kasuri is preserved through:
- Artisan weaving studios in the Fukuyama region
- Regional cultural heritage organizations
- Museums and textile researchers
Modern applications include:
- Kimono and haori fabric
- Shirts, jackets, and casual wear
- Interior textiles and art-based fabric design
See also
References
- 福山市伝統産業振興会『備後絣：技術と地域文化』福山, 2012.
- 竹内美智子（M. Takeuchi）『日本の伝統織物事典』平凡社, 2014.
- 日本民藝館 編『民藝の布』日本民藝協会, 2006.
