Weave　(p. 68 )

1. Produced in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture.

2. Characteristics: Silk fabric with pre-dyed threads, famous as "Silk Meisen and the combined silk-cotton fabric, called "Bunka Meisen."

3. Uses: Clothing, "Haori" coats, cushion covers, "Tanzen."

4. History: Ashikaga Ginu(silk) was produced in this district in the Heian Period(794-1185) and used for flag cloths in the Muromachi Period(1333-1568). Ashikaga was famous for producing "Meisen" rivaling Isesaki, Chichibu and Hachioji: "Bunka Meisen" was specifically popular. Today tricot, instead of "Meisen" is produced in Ashikaga.