GONE BANANAS
Image: Bashofu lengths. Courtesy of Ryukyu Heritage Textiles
Bashofu is said to have been produced in Okinawa, Japan, since the 13th century. During the Ryuku Dynasty, a specific royal government position was established to management the Basho gardens, in order to obtain high quality bashofu for the royal family, and aristocrats. The fabric is characterised by its smoothness, lightness, and breathability. Known as ‘the wings of a dragonfly’, the firm, fine cloth perfectly suited the hot and humid climate of Okinawa. Later, ordinary people also began to wear bashofu, and it was produced domestically— although this homemade fabric was coarser and rougher to the touch...
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