 uzen Dyeing is a traditional Japanese handicraft, dyed in colorful patterns which look like fine Japanese paintings. There are different stories about the origin of Yuzen Dyeing. One of them is that it's named after a craftsman, Yuzensai Miyazaki, who was a painter of folding fans in Kyoto about 300 years ago. His fan painting gained a reputation and people started asking Yuzen to paint on Kimonos. At the time, Kimonos were decorated with very simple patterns - dyed, woven or embroidered. Yuzen had brought significant change and stimulation into Japanese textiles through his bold designs and use of color.
As the boom caused by Yuzen kept growing, his name became famous nationwide. And because Kyoto is said to be the roots of this boom, Kyoto dyeing was called "Kyo-Yuzen". It is characterized by a color shade that is unique to Kyoto. Even if the same dye compounds are used, the final color shade will come out slightly different depending on the weather and water. According to one explanation, there is a huge water vein ? the same size as the largest lake in Japan, Lake Biwa - flowing through the underground of Kyoto. It is this underground water that has been moisturizing the air of Kyoto, helping making the specialties of Kyoto -Tofu and Sake, and fostering the culture of Sado (Japanese Tea Ceremony) and Yuzen Dyeing.
At first, Kyo-Yuzen was hand-drawn one by one, making it so expensive that only rich people and those in high positions could afford them. And then, a new dyeing method was developed and mold was used. As the efficiency increased, common people were able to afford them as well. Furthermore, Yuzen dyeing had achieved a major breakthrough about 150 years ago - the modern dyeing compounds invented in Germany had been introduced to Japan, bringing the most significant increase in expressive power and efficiency.
OKAJU, founded in 1855, is the one that had helped Kyo-Yuzen thrive by using the new dye. Its founder, Usaburo Okajima, was a pioneer who contributed to dyeing industry, teaching dye in an art school in Kyoto after he mastered the dyeing technique. The second-generation owner Jusuke had focused on dyeing the lining of Haori (a kind of Kimono), making Okaju's brand name become widely known by his excellent design. He also started "Yuzen Nagashi" -washing the dyed fabric in river, but it's no longer seen today in Kyoto.
The main characteristics of the lining created by Jusuke are the bold compositions and rich imaginations. Some have a painting with carp fish swimming around vividly, and some have an Ukiyoe painting, so you will never get tired looking at them. Currently, the reprinted products of the lining pattern are sold in the Okaju store, and they are very popular. You can also find goods that are ideal for the memories of your trip, such as bags made by Yuzen and Fudepen in a Yuzen dyeing case.
Okaju's motto is to give life to the product by using silent materials. This is fulfilled with Okaju's founding spirit. We want to create products that inspires and moves peoples' hearts, and hope people feel the quality by just touching it. |
| |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
| Fude-pen in a Yuzen dyeing pen case is very popular. 7140 yen |
|
The bold design pattern on the lining of a Haori kimono, which cannot be seen from outside. |
|
Small goods are sold at the cafe of our store. |
|
| |
 |
 |
|
TEL: +81-(0)75-221-3501 FAX: +81-(0)75-221-5154
Address: 502 Kamikoriki-cho, Oikeno-agaru, Kiyamachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Available Language: English, Japanese
Website: http://www.okaju.com
Credit cards: VISA, MASTER, Diners Club, American Express, DC, etc. |
|
|
|
Back to List
