2024 is about to draw to a close. As New Year preparations proceed all around, the Palaceside Building has put tapestries and other decorations in place and is ready for 2025.
On the atrium wall from B1 to the first floor hang Gujo honzome tapestries with more than 400 years of history: “Shishimai” (1.8 m high by 2.5 m wide) and “Treasure Ship” (2.2 m by 1.7 m). An orange lion on deep indigo and a multicolored treasure ship are depicted—among the largest tapestries specially ordered from Watanabe Dyeing Shop in Gujo, Gifu Prefecture, which carries on the traditional technique.
Gujo honzome is said to have begun in Gujo Hachiman, Gifu, in the Tensho era (1573–92). It is characterized by hand-dyeing with natural indigo and glutinous-rice paste; with the spread of chemical dyes, Watanabe Dyeing Shop is now the only workshop still in operation.