The History of Nishijin Textiles (6) The Age of the Industrial Revolution
From the mid-18th century, Europe experienced unprecedented technological development with the advent of the Industrial Revolution. Remarkably, it began in the weaving industry. The invention of the flying shuttle, which could be operated simply by pulling a rope, dramatically increased production scale and, in turn, boosted the demand for thread. This innovation was soon followed by the invention of a mechanized spinning machine.
Imagine how revolutionary these inventions were! Tasks once performed entirely by hand could now be done by machines in a factory, leading to an unparalleled increase in productivity.
In Japan, industrialization began after the Meiji Restoration. Recognizing the necessity of catching up with Western countries to maintain independence, the government adopted modernization as a national policy. Industrial development was a key focus, with the silk spinning industry receiving significant state support. One example was the establishment of a government-operated silk spinning factory in Tomioka.
However, in the field of high-quality silk textiles, the impact of the Industrial Revolution was gradual. The delicate materials and complex production processes were among the factors that delayed mechanization. It wasn't until the mid-19th century, with the introduction of the filature (spinning machine), that mechanization began to progress.
