This is a summer Nagoya obi made from Kijoka Bashofu, an important intangible cultural property and one of the oldest hand-woven textiles in Okinawa, also known as the "phantom fabric" nurtured by nature. Bashofu is a textile produced mainly in Kijoka, Ogimi Village, in the northern part of Okinawa Island. Bashofu uses fibers from Ito-basho (Musa basjoo), a type of banana plant. All processes, from cultivating Ito-basho to finishing the fabric, are done by hand in this region. The fibers are extracted from the Ito-basho, and through patient work and delicate handcraftsmanship, the threads are made and woven. It takes several years from harvesting the basho plant to completing the weaving, and mass production is impossible, making it recognized as a highly rare textile. "Bashofu," created entirely with natural materials sourced locally and still produced by hand using traditional methods, is designated as an important intangible cultural property of Japan. Made with 100% hand-spun basho thread for both warp and weft, and dyed with plant dyes and hand-woven, Bashofu is a representative summer textile of Okinawa. Its characteristic is the rustic texture, with tiny thread joins visible throughout. The refreshing coolness of Bashofu, a natural fabric that allows the wind to pass through, is the true pleasure of summer wear. We hope you will enjoy this rare textile, which allows you to feel the climate of Okinawa, by pairing it with your existing fine fabrics, linen, summer tsumugi, or thin silk kimonos. ●Size: Length: Approximately 380cm Width: Approximately 32cm Please note that there may be slight variations due to amateur measurements. ●Material: Bashofu With a core lining ●Condition: It is in excellent condition with no signs of use. Although it is a beautiful item, please understand that it is a used item before purchasing. ●Other Notes: Unfortunately, the certification documents are not included, but it was woven in Kijoka. The colors may appear different depending on your monitor, so please be aware of this if you are particular about subtle colors. 【 #Bashofu 】 Kijoka Bashofu Designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (April 20, 1974) Designated as a Traditional Craft Product by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (June 9, 1988) We also have many other items for sale, including kimonos, obi, Japanese accessories, antiques, and brand name artists. Please take a look here: #kafekimono