Koya Some Kai Organic Indigo Dyeing

Koya Some Kai indigo dyeing atelier is in an old sake storehouse recognized as a registered tangible cultural property of the nation. It has clay walls covered with white plaster, over which blue shop curtains sway.

Known as the oldest dye in human history, indigo was brought to Japan from China via Korea some 1,500 years ago; and Koya Some Kai practices the traditional method of dyeing that was introduced along with it. The technique features natural ingredients produced in Japan, and the high quality of water from Taketa ensures outstanding colors on dyed items.

Natural indigo dyeing produces a blue color that changes beautifully over the years. Koya Some Kai offers beautiful indigo blue towels, clothing, and other items. Take a look at Taketa blue items and experience their allure.

白い土壁に藍色ののれんがたなびく、風格ある建物。ここは国登録有形文化財の酒蔵をそのまま使っている藍染工房です。

藍は人類最古の染料とも言われ、日本にはおよそ1,500年前に中国から朝鮮を経由して伝えられました。「そめかひ」ではその頃から続く日本独自の天然原料を使う方法で染めています。竹田の水は質が良く、染めた布の発色が良いのです。

年月を経るほど美しくなるというのが天然の藍染。手ぬぐいや洋服やなど美しい藍色の作品が並ぶ工房で、時代を超えて人々を魅了する「taketa blue」を手にとってみてください。