Ranto
Natural lye fermentation and indigo dyeing
"Kaikan"
Sowing, growing, harvesting and harvesting of indigo plants
The power of the color indigo
We carefully select materials to breathe new life into them in a way that suits the situation.
I want to preserve the colors that emerge
Plant = indigo
Use up everything
The circular dyeing is the symbol
now
Rethink your lifestyle
High-quality products made by hand
To cherish for a long time
Someone who wants to have it at hand
I feel like it's increasing.
In the case of indigo dyeing
It's not enough to just be indigo
What is the background?
I think there is
Please take good care of that.
The indigo color that is familiar to Japanese people is
It continues to be loved in everyday life.
Indigo cloth in the palm of your hand
Try wrapping it up.
The colors that grow in nature
It feels pure and warm.
"Looking at indigo makes me feel calm"
"It makes me feel nostalgic."
Those who put their faces close to the fabric and took a deep breath
At such times
The time it takes to create
Refreshing like the wind
It makes me feel like I'm blowing away.
That wind
From now on, the wind will remain clear
I thought I had to be there
Things that add color to your current life
Something that will calm your mind
Sometimes, something innovative
Dealing with my own feelings
We are currently producing it.
Natural lye fermentation and indigo dyeing
I make indigo dye using a method called natural lye fermentation, which has been passed down since the Edo period.
The process of making indigo dye is called "building indigo" or "aidate."
Just like building a house, take your time and prepare carefully.
As part of the process of creating the dye, it is natural to place your hands together in front of the indigo vat.
In March, Tokushima indigo masters sow seeds of a variety of indigo called tadewa (white flower small grain) and harvest the leaves in summer.
It takes 300 days to ferment the dried leaves and turn them into "sukumo."
The indigo dyeing process begins using this dye.
This method of indigo dyeing requires only air and water to fix the color to the fabric.
It coats threads and fabrics, making them durable, antibacterial, deodorizing, and insect-repellent.
Learning about the history of indigo dyeing gives us an idea of how much it has been loved by the Japanese people.
The deep indigo color is called "Kachiiro" and has been used since the Kamakura period.
It is a darker color than navy blue, and was used to dye samurai kimonos and armor, and was called "victory color."
It is considered auspicious and also has an anti-inflammatory effect.
*The indigo dye is made under the supervision of the 19th generation indigo master, Sato Akito, a holder of intangible cultural property, at the Sato Awa Indigo Factory in Kamiita Town, Tokushima Prefecture.
We use products that have been carefully handcrafted.
We also use indigo dye that we cultivate ourselves in our own fields.
Indigo dyeing
After being left to dry for a year,
Made from ash from deciduous hardwood trees over a week's time
Lye of different concentrations
Lime, sake, and wheat bran are used for indigo dyeing.
Indigo vats from Tokushima Otani ware
Fermented with the power of blue-green bacteria
Stir every hour for about two weeks.
We prepare it carefully.
Align your life with indigo and embrace it
By calmly waiting for time
In the midst of nature's activities
I feel myself getting involved.