Kijōka-bashōfu
History. formed part of the tribute to Ming dynasty China, while 3,000 rolls were listed as due after the Satsuma invasion of Okinawa in 1609. As well as the payment of bolts of plain, striped and as tribute to the Ryukyu Kingdom kings, the cloth was used in daily wear by commoners. Production increased in the Meiji period with the introduction of the loom. After the Battle of Okinawa, production declined dramatically. Formerly made across the Ryūkyū islands, production is now localized to Kijōka. Modern production. trees are stripped and, after sterilization, softened bast fibres are extracted and  spun into weavable yarn; these are then woven to produce cloth that is lightweight, strong, and smooth to the touch. Approximately forty trees are required to make a standard roll of fabric. The colour of the fibre forms the background; patterns are woven in indigo and brown. Designs include stripes, checks, and a number of types of . Cultural heritage. was registered as an Important Intangible Cultural Property () in 1974, and the Preservation Society () was founded to help preserve the tradition. In 2000, practitioner of production (1921-) was recognized as a Living National Treasure.