Kurofunegire utsushi Shoha Kobukusa

黒船裂写紹巴 古帛紗

This kobukusa is made from Shoha silk, featuring a design inspired by Kurofune-gire, a historical textile associated with early cultural exchange between Japan and the West.

The term kurofune (“black ships”) refers to the period when foreign ships arrived in Japan, bringing new materials and influences. Textiles known as kurofune-gire often incorporate distinctive patterns and exotic elements that reflect this moment of encounter and transition.

This piece is a utsushi—a respectful reproduction of such a classical design—preserving its unique character while adapting it for use in tea practice.

Crafted from Shoha silk, known for its smooth texture and refined finish, this kobukusa offers both historical depth and understated elegance, suitable for formal tea settings.

■ About Yuko Tsuchida

Yuko Tsuchida is one of the distinguished artisan families of the Senke Jisshoku—the ten traditional craft lineages serving the three main schools of Japanese tea ceremony.

The Tsuchida family specializes in the making of fukusa and kobukusa—silk textiles used in tea practice—preserving techniques and aesthetics that have been refined in Kyoto over generations.

As the 13th-generation head of this lineage, Yuko Tsuchida continues to uphold a long-standing tradition while bringing a quiet sense of refinement to each piece. Their work is highly regarded in the tea world for its balance of functionality, formality, and understated beauty.

Each textile reflects the essential values of chanoyu, where even the smallest detail carries meaning and intention.