Silk Weavers of Kyoto : Family and Work in a Changing Traditional Industry

The makers of ¿obi,¿ the elegant & costly sash worn over ¿kimono¿ in Japan, belong to an endangered species. These families of manufacturers, weavers, & other craftspeople centered in the Nishijin weaving district of Kyoto have practiced their demanding craft for generations. In recent decades, however, as a result of declining markets for ¿kimono,¿ they find their livelihood & pride harder to sustain. This is a poignant & sensitive exploration of a vanishing world, where young people do not want to perform the hard work of weaving like their parents. Hareven integrates historical research with intensive life history interviews to reveal the relationships among family, work, & community in this highly specialized occupation. Illustrations.Hareven, Tamara K. is the author of 'Silk Weavers of Kyoto : Family and Work in a Changing Traditional Industry', published 2007 under ISBN 9781422366288 and ISBN 1422366286.