【now accepting applications】Japanese tradition since the Edo periodSamurai “Victory Color” Stole Indigo Dyeing Experience
No synthetic dyes are used, resulting in beautiful colors that do not fade
Large scarf made of 100% silk, cool in summer and warm in winter
The Indigo Dyeing Experience is held in the Honaizome Miyabiori Kobo in Kyoto, founded in the Edo period, with the world-renowned Ai-zome master Hidenori Nakanishi.Nakanishi’s works have been donated to Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto, and exhibited in museums around the world. In 2022, he won the Kyoto Prefectural Governor’s Award at the 41st Kyoto Crafts and Artists Association Exhibition for his genuine indigo-dyed kimono, “Eternal Brilliance”.
The studio uses natural indigo dye “sukumo”, first produced in the Edo period, with the Ai-zome natural dyeing tradition that has continued in Japan for over 1,300 years.
This time, we will be holding a premium tour where you can experience indigo dyeing with your own hands while learning how to dye directly from Nakanishi. The scarf is made using Kawamata silk, the finest silk with a history of 1400 years, known as the “best silk in the East.”
The texture of the indigo dye is beautiful, and it is light and smooth to the touch. The color changes depending on the number of times the cloth is dipped into the jar. The best part of dyeing is being able to choose the shade you like.
Nakanishi’s dyed scarf is actually sold as a product, but it costs 275,000 yen (tax included). But since you will be dyeing it yourself, you can get it for the experience price of 220,000 yen (tax included).
This time, you can take the scarf home on the day of the experience. After dyeing, the fabric is normally dried over several days, but the studio staff work full-time during the participants’ lunch break to dry the scarf.
You will also be issued a certificate of authentic indigo dyeing with your name on it!
The process of the experience is as follows.
<Itinerary＞
10:00｜Meet at Kyoto Station (Hachijo Exit)
10:30｜Arrive at Hon Ai-zome Miyabiori Kobo in Yamashina, Kyoto
10:30-13:00｜Lecture by Mr. Nakanishi and indigo dyeing experience
13：00～14：30｜Lunch break (“Kasumichuan Otowa Soba”)
14：30-15：00｜Delivery of works
15：30｜Departure from Kyoto Station (Hachijo Exit)
<Fee> 220,000 yen (tax included, including stole fee, transportation between the station and the workshop, and lunch)
<Souvenir> 1 stole (70cm x 200cm), certificate with your name on it
[Attention]
◼️The indigo dyeing experience is limited to elementary school students and older.
◼️Please register for each person who will experience.
◼️Since space is limited, please limit the number of non-experiencing children to one child per adult.
◼️Lunch will be provided only for those who participate in the experience.
◼️Details of the day will be emailed separately to all participants.
◆Indigo Dyeing Experience Instructor
Hidenori Nakanishi
Natural Aizome Artist / Representative of Hon Ai-zome Masaori Studio
Born in Kyoto in 1966, Nakanishi joined his family’s indigo dyeing business in 1986, and in 2022 won the Kyoto Prefectural Governor’s Award at the 41st Kyoto Crafts and Artists Association Exhibition for his indigo-dyed kimono “Eternal Brightness”. He is an indigo dyer attracting attention from all over the world.