The Nishijin Tartan

The Nishijin Union Youth Association has created a pure silk Nishijin-ori tartan check, known as “Nishijin-tartan”. This tartan pattern, woven with Nishijin-ori, is inspired by the grid-like streets of Kyoto and the lattice doors of old townhouses.

Regarding the colors used in the Nishijin Tartan

These are the images associated with the colors used in the tartan pattern

• Yellow: Represents the ginkgo trees on Horikawa Street in autumn, as well as the dandelions and rapeseed flowers in spring. It is also reminiscent of the “gold thread” used in Nishijin brocade.
• Purple: The most common color that comes to mind when people think of Kyoto. It symbolizes elegance, tradition, and sophistication.
• Green: Kyoto is a basin surrounded by green mountains on three sides, making it a region with high humidity suitable for silk weaving. Nishijin is located at the foot of Funaoka Mountain, a green town surrounded by palaces, shrines, and temples. Light
• Blue: Represents the essential water used for dyeing Nishijin-ori threads, inspired by Kamiyagawa, Horikawa, and the canals. Kyoto is abundant in groundwater, and this color reflects that image.

This time, a collaboration between Nishijin Textile Industry Association, Nishijin Union Youth Association members, Nishijin octed, and Nishijin Tartan has resulted in the creation of a gift set called “Nishijin Tartan Bag & Kohakuto (Narumi Mochi).”

The Nishijin Tartan Bag & Kohakuto will be showcased at the “KYOTO CRAFTS and DESIGN COMPETITION 2024-2025 Exhibition.”

We kindly ask for your support of Nishijin-ori through the audience (general public) voting.

KYOTO CRAFTS and DESIGN COMPETITION 2024-2025 Exhibition

The “KYOTO CRAFTS and DESIGN COMPETITION 2024-2025 Exhibition” is an event that showcases the winning entries from a competition aimed at exploring new possibilities for traditional crafts to connect Japan’s cultural heritage with the future.

At the venue, visitors can participate in the selection of the “Audience Award” by voting for their favourite works among the exhibited pieces. Each vote from the visitors will serve as an encouragement for the next generation of traditional craft makers.

Audience (General) Voting

• Voting Period: February 13 (Thursday) – February 28 (Friday)
• Voting Method:
  • Receive a voting slip when you purchase your admission ticket.
  • Carefully view the exhibited works and choose your favorite piece.
  • Complete the process by placing your voting slip in the ballot box.

Exhibition Details