An exhibition of kimono curtains, created by the "Kyotango Innkeepers' Association," a group of female innkeepers from inns, guesthouses, and hotels in Kyotango City, Kyoto Prefecture, is being held at the Inaba Honke, a tourist facility and former merchant house in Kumihama-cho, Kyotango City. Approximately 40 noren curtains, made from Tango chirimen silk, a local specialty, elegantly adorn the space of the traditional merchant house.
Since 2010, the Innkeepers' Association has been remaking kimonos and haori jackets that had been stored in homes into noren curtains, and displaying them in front of private homes during events in the city. With the noren now being stored at the Inaba Honke, this exhibition was planned as the first of its kind.
The noren curtains are hung throughout the building, a nationally registered tangible cultural property, swaying gently in the breeze. In addition to elegant curtains in light purple and cherry blossom pink, there are also some with vibrant designs of hydrangeas and drums, expressed through dyeing and embroidery. Planning director Chiyoko Maruta (64 years old) said, "We would be grateful if many people could come and see it." Admission is free. The exhibition runs until June 15th.
