八重山上布 Yaeyama ramie cloth

Yaeyama jofu is a fabric produced in the area surrounding Yaeyama ward in Ishigaki city, Okinawa prefecture. This textile is woven with hand-spun ramie threads and used to be produced as a tax to the Ryukyu Kingdom (present day Okinawa) in ancient times. This craft is the only fabric in Okinawa that uses a rubbing and printing technique. As a refreshingly white fabric with dark brown kasuri or ikat patterns, it is used mainly for summer kimono.

For more detailed information including a description, history, and the general production process, please see the Kogei Japan: Traditional Crafts of Japan website.

八重山上布（やえやまじょうふ）は、沖縄県八重山郡周辺で作られている織物です。苧麻（ちょま/からむし）の手紡ぎ糸を使って織られ、古くは琉球王朝時代に貢布としても利用されてきました。