History of Kudzu-fu

 

 Oigawa Kudzu-fu Weaving Studio

History

In China

 Kudzufu has been used for a long time, since ancient times. The oldest known kudzu-fu, which dates back to the Neolithic era, was excavated in China.

history of textile technology of ancient china
cheng weiji science press newyork LTD

During the Zhou Dynasty (1046 BC - 256 BC), kudzu-fu was widely worn. However, the production of kudzu-fu stopped during the Tang Dynasty (617-907 AD).

 

In Japan 

Kudzufu made during the Tumulus period (250-538 AD), around 1500 years ago, was unearthed in Fukuoka.
 

kudzu-fu attached onto the upper mirror , owned by Kyushu national museum


During the Edo period (1600-1868), samurai wore kudzu-fu as a travel coat or formal jacket.
 

 In Civil War era

Uesugi Kenshin, a general during the Civil War era about 450 years ago, used hakama.

hakama of Uesugi Kenshin

detail

Enshu Kobori, a general and famous tea ceremony master during the Civil War era (1467-1615), owned the armor about 450 years ago.
 

armor of Enshu Kobori

Tokyo National Museum
 
 

detail


 
 

detail

Nagamasa Asano, a general during the Civil War era about 450 years ago, owned the armor.

armor of Asano General


This photo is from the Tokugawa Museum Pictorial Record and depicts the fashion of Japanese military commanders, including the armor of Nagamasa Asano.