What Is Traditional Honzome Dyeing?
Have you ever worn a traditionally dyed tenugui hand towel or hanten coat at a Japanese festival?
The traditional dyeing technique that we have preserved through generations is known as shirushi-zome, a form of Japanese resist dyeing that has long brought color and character to everyday life in Japan.
Items such as hanten coats and tenugui are soft and comfortable against the skin. Their colors remain rich even when exposed to sweat or water, and the longer they are used, the more beautifully both the fabric and its colors develop their own distinctive character.
This same craftsmanship has also brought warmth and color to the world of business and work, from noren shop curtains that serve as the face of a store to tairyobata, the vibrant flags traditionally used to celebrate a plentiful catch.
As modernization has progressed, printed fabrics have increasingly replaced traditional dyeing methods. Even so, we continue to devote the time and care required by authentic craftsmanship.
At Ito Dye Works, every member of our team takes pride in preserving the texture, warmth, and tactile quality that have long been familiar to the people of Japan. As traditional dyers, we carefully dye each piece of cloth with dedication and heartfelt intention, so that this heritage may be passed on to future generations.
Dyeing Your Thoughts into Form
We express our customers’ thoughts and sentiments through the art of dyeing.
This is the essence of shirushi-zome—the traditional craft of dyeing symbols and emblems. From Japan’s national flag, the Hinomaru, to festival hanten coats and noren shop curtains, these symbols have long brought people together.
We take pride in playing a part in preserving and passing on this cultural tradition. Through our dyeing, we hope to create moments of joy and bring smiles to the people we serve.
Hikizome-Dyed Tairyobata Flags
Putting Heart into Every Piece
With sincerity and gratitude, we pour our feelings into every piece we dye.
“We believe that in order to move our customers, we must first create work that moves us.”
Guided by this philosophy, we continually refine our passion, spirit, imagination, and perseverance, delivering each piece of dyed fabric with genuine care and heartfelt dedication.
Ho-maekake Aprons Dyed with Sulfur Dye
The Fusion of Tradition and New Techniques
Dyeing traditions that have been passed down through everyday life possess a unique power to convey the heart behind them.
As the dye soaks into the fabric, so too does the care and affection of the craftsman. We believe that the role of a dyer is to create something that brings a smile to the person who receives it.
This belief was held by our founder, Denzo, the grandfather of our current third-generation owner. Though the times have changed, his spirit and philosophy continue to be faithfully carried forward today.
Hanten Coats Dyed Using the Te-Nassen Technique
Inspiration
With heart in every brushstroke, we create moments of inspiration together.
Empathy
We listen closely to our customers, sharing the thoughts and feelings behind their words.
