Nishijin-ori (西陣織, Nishijin fabric) is a traditional textile produced in the Nishijin (西陣) district of Kamigyō-ku in Kyoto, Japan. Nishijin weaving originated in Heian-kyōto, Japan, over 1200 years ago. It uses many different types of coloured yarns, weaving them together into decorative designs. Nishijin employs very tedious and specialized procedures necessary to obtain the spectacular design, thus ensuring the quality of Nishijin weaving.
In 794, Heian-kyo became the new capital city and soon after the production of Nishijin-ori increased to supply the Imperial Court and aristocracy. However, the need for the materials began to decrease, causing these skilled weavers to go into business on their own rather than working for the textile offices.
The demand for the material continued to dwindle during the Muromachi Period due to the Onin War (1467–1477), exacerbated by a string of internal conflict in Kyoto and drought over the following years, where the majority of Kyoto was demolished. The people of Kyoto fled to nearby towns for safety. Finally, in the 1480s the war ended and the Kyoto residents returned home, established residence, and contributed to the name 'Nishijin', which means West position. This name was established due to Kyoto residents’ settlement being located on the exact piece of land the Army of Yamana Sozen had occupied during the war. Another group established residence in the northern portion of Kyoto in NRDD. This northern group is known for producing 'Nerinuki', a shimmering fabric made from raw silk and scoured silk.
After the war, Nishijin-ori weaving began to thrive. The weaving community supplied and provided materials for both the Imperial Courts and the samurai lords. This increased their productivity which led to improvements in the product from using new procedures to create new designs, such as the use of the gold brocade and Damask silk that originated in Ming Dynasty China.