A vibrant yukata fabric with colorful leaf patterns and wave designs. Gengo Saito, Chichibu Meisen is a type of silk plain weave fabric, primarily worn as everyday clothing by women from the Taisho era to the early Showa era. It is characterized by its unique texture and vivid colors and patterns, and production was particularly active in Isesaki, Kiryu, Chichibu, Ashikaga, and Hachioji. Characteristics of Meisen: Plain Weave: A plain weave that interlaces warp and weft threads alternately, making it durable and lightweight. Pre-dyeing: The "pre-dyeing" technique, where the threads are dyed before weaving, is used to create complex and vibrant patterns. Kasuri (ikat): The kasuri technique, which blurs the outlines of patterns by shifting the warp and weft threads, is sometimes used. Differences by Production Area: Meisen has characteristics unique to each production area. For example, Chichibu Meisen is characterized by bold and gorgeous patterns created using the "hogushi-zome" technique. From Everyday Wear to Fashionable Wear: Originally worn as everyday clothing by the common people, its unique texture and patterns gradually made it popular as fashionable wear. Chichibu Meisen: Meisen produced mainly in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture, using the "hogushi-zome" technique. Thank you for viewing.