在疫情陰霾籠罩下，最近日本市場推出了一款以新選組為題的口罩，淺蔥色及兩邊分別繡上「誠」字及其英文 Shinsengumi。主題性的口罩現在已不能算是新鮮事，但令人觸目的是它的製作物料，是屬於一款西陣織的口罩。

何為西陣織 (Nishijin-ori) 呢？那是日本最具代表性的傳統紡織品之一，也是京都的著名產物。據說早期供給朝廷所用的紡織品均來自聚居於現今京都市上京區長者町一帶的紡織手藝師傅，而到了一四六七年至一四七七年期間，京都發生了戰亂並把城區劃分為東軍及西軍，史稱應仁之亂。動亂後，紡織師傅們紛紛回到京都工作，並聚集在堀川今出川一帶，而這個區域恰好是西軍當時的本陣所在地，所以其後所有此地出產由染色針線紡織出來各樣圖案的紡織品均被稱為西陣織。而因為日本正式場合的穿著規矩流傳著「染色的和服配針織的腰帶」這說法，所以屬高級紡織品的西陣織漸漸成為腰帶錦緞的代名詞，更於一九七六年獲國家指定為傳統工藝品。

The city of Kyoto currently hosts the Nishijin-ori Museum, where visitors can appreciate the craftsmanship of textile artisans up close and learn about the interesting history of Nishijin-ori. Visitors can also experience hands-on weaving using traditional looms. As the market evolves, the museum has also introduced original products including small cloth bags, handkerchiefs, tote bags, and neckties made of Nishijin-ori, promoting this traditional technique through various means.

The recently launched Nishijin-ori face mask was supervised by the monthly magazine "Rekishijin”. In addition to the Shinsengumi, they have also designed two other masks featuring Oda Nobunaga and Sakamoto Ryoma. Featuring alongside these two prominent historical figures, this shows the significant status and popularity of the Shinsengumi in the hearts of the Japanese population.

These masks were released for online sale on March 24th 2021, priced at 3,000 yen, approximately HKD $215. While their effectiveness as protective gear may not be top-notch, they serve as collectible memorabilia for fans.

Source:https://nishijin-mask.com