Kintsugi/ aizome Japanese workshop

Aizome workshop

What is aizome?

In Japan, Tateai, which is native to Indonesia, is said to have been introduced from China during the Asuka period (6th century).

In the Kamakura period (14th century), the darkest indigo colour was called “KACHI-IRO” and Sumurai believed this coloured kimono brought them luck during Samurai wars. Therefore aizome clothes were very popular amongst Samurai. Then, in the Edo period (17th century), aizome was used to dye for various items such as kimono, work clothes, Japanese half curtains (NOREN) so on. The city of Edo was full of indigo.

However, due to the recent importing of cheap Indian indigo and chemically synthesised artificial indigo, aizome dyeing nearly disappeared. Tokushima Prefecture supported famers who produced Tadeai and aizome industries. Tadeai is now produced as a craft crop and natural indigo products are also produced as Japanese traditional goods.

Benefits of aizome

Aizome was imported to ancient Japan as a medicine from China for treating food poisoning, fever and for nutritional fortification.It has since been shown to reduce amount of stress related Nitric oxide and Prostaglandin in the body.

• anti- insect properties
• Anti-bacterial properties
• Anti-inflammatory properties

Fire Protection-Aizome dyeing makes fabrics fire resistant so they used to use as uniforms for firefighters during EDO period.

Material Strength-Materials dyed with aizome have a 30% increase in strength as opposed to a 10% decrease in strength of fabrics treated with chemical dyeing. Beside the sheer beauty of the finished product they are many reasons why people love aizome products so much.