Indigo Workshop

Indigo dyeing is a traditional Japanese method of colouring fabric a deep, rich blue. I have created a workshop scene which shows the process which is an intricate craft. On the left is the plant the dye is derived from. The lady in red is applying a rice paste onto white fabric. The areas that are coated with the rice paste will remain white after dyeing allowing beautiful designs to be made. This process is called Katazome. The man in the centre is pulling freshly dyed fabric from the dye vat. The fabric emerges a vibrant green which quickly turns deep blue as it oxidises. On the right we have finished fabric and a samurai in his new indigo clothes. Indigo fabric is antibacterial so was favoured by samurai for its wound healing ability. Above hang drying designs.