The Ueba Weaving Company specializes in crafting Furoshiki textiles 風呂敷生地の上羽機業さん

Mr. Ueba, at the age of 83, proudly serves as the third-generation president of the renowned 'Ueba Weaving Company.' His grandfather, a skilled craftsman, was deeply involved in the traditional art of kimono printing at 'Chikiriya,' an esteemed kimono establishment nestled in the heart of Kyoto. Following in his family's footsteps, Mr. Ueba's father specialized in crafting woolen kimonos, albeit considered more casual attire within the kimono industry.

Today, Mr. Ueba oversees operations at the company's factory located in Tango, the northernmost region of Kyoto Prefecture. This bustling hub is home to a myriad of talented artisans, each contributing their expertise to the art of weaving and creating exquisite textiles.

８３才の上羽さん、上羽機業の３代目である。

上羽さんのおじいちゃんは千切屋の捺染をしていた。上羽さんのお父さんはウールの着物を作っていた。着物業界ではウール生地はカジュアルなものとされる。

現在、丹後に工場（こうば）があり、職人さんがいる。

This company specializes in crafting furoshiki textiles, primarily using cotton, which are traditionally employed for packaging and delivering items. The thread used in their production, known as "Kurofuji," is supplied by the renowned Fuji Spinning Company.This combed yarn undergoes a meticulous process, including removal of slight impurities through exposure to gas fire, resulting in a smoother texture.

To ensure durability and resistance to discoloration, the cotton thread is dyed under high-pressure conditions. This meticulous dyeing process contributes to the textile's longevity, making it suitable for repeated use without losing its vibrant colors.

ここでは主に風呂敷生地が製造されている。

富士紡績製造のガス焼きのコーマ糸「黒富士」を使用している。ガス焼きとは、糸からわずかに出るほこりを火で焼くことによって除去することである。

高圧で糸の染色を行っているため、生地は堅牢度が高く、色落ちしにくいという特徴がある。

The weaving technique employed, known as "Fu-tsu ori," involves weaving with two-color threads. This unique method results in a reversible textile, where both the right and wrong sides feature opposite colors but retain the same design. This adds to the versatility and aesthetic appeal of the furoshiki.

Renowned for its exceptional quality, these textiles are highly esteemed by establishments such as traditional Japanese restaurants (Ryotei,such as Kiccho and Hyotei), where they are often utilized for Zabuton（Japanese cushion for sitting）. This acknowledgment underscores the reputation of the company for producing premium textiles that meet the discerning standards of prestigious clientele.

風通織りでできており、風通織りとは２色織りの一種である。生地の裏と表で配色が逆で、模様が同じである織物である。

ここで作られる生地は、有名料亭の座布団（吉兆さん、瓢亭さん）に使用され、その品質が高く評価されている。

He said "I firmly believe in the integrity of our ingredients and our commitment to authenticity. We never compromise on the quality of our merchandise. For instance, opting for cheaper ingredients may lower initial costs, but it ultimately drives up the total expenses. Take threads, for example; using low-quality ones might lead to frequent breakage, resulting in increased time and personnel expenses. Our strength lies in offering high-quality merchandise."

「原料はうそをつかない、商品をごまかさない、本物にこだわる。」

安い原料を使うと、経費は安くつくが、トータルで見ると、高くつくという。

例えば、安い糸を使うと糸が切れやすくなり、糸を直すのに時間と人員を要する。

商品の品質を高く保つことで、その商品が武器になるとのこと。

This is original artwork created by designers in Tango. It's for next year's 'Eto (The Chinese zodiac),' featuring the 'Sneak' design. The Chinese zodiac follows a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal.

丹後にいるデザイナーによって描かれた来年の干支「巳」デザインの原画である。

When they adopt the original designs, they refine and redraw them to prepare for manufacturing.

その原画が採用されると原画がブラッシュアップされた本書きに移る。