兵庫県の内陸部、山々と人の営みが交差する地、西脇市。
この地で230年以上の歴史を紡ぐ綿織物「播州織(ばんしゅうおり)」は、先に染めた糸を生地に織る「先染(さきぞめ)」という製法を特徴とする。
河川に恵まれ綿花栽培や染色に適したことから、かつては270軒以上の業社が軒を連ね、一大産地として栄えたという。
この産地内には、ここでしかない生地づくりを求め、現在も東京からデザイナーが6時間をかけて足を運ぶ機屋(はたや)がある。
Nishiwaki City, located in the inland area of Hyogo Prefecture, where mountains and human activities intersect.
The cotton textile “Banshu-ori,” which has a history of over 230 years in this region, is characterized by the technique of “saki-zome,” where pre-dyed threads are woven into the fabric.
Due to its abundant rivers and suitability for cotton cultivation and dyeing, it is said that there were once over 270 businesses lined up, thriving as a major production area.
In this production area, there is a textile company that is sought after for its unique fabric creation, where designers from Tokyo still travel for six hours to visit.