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Japanese Traditional Craft Resource Center Category

Total:131items


Japanese Traditional Craft

Kagawa
Craft Category Dyeing products
Name Sanuki Norizome

Main Production Site:Kagawa




《Characteristics》
In Sanuki Norizome (paste-resist dyeing method), sticky rice paste is used for masking fabric in its process. By masking with the paste, the colors do not mix and each color comes out clearly on the design.
There are two main dyeing methods, “Tsutsugaki” (Hand-drawing) and “Kata zome” (Stencil dyeing) in Sanuki Norizome.
In “Tsutsu gaki” (Hand-drawing), the glue made from sticky rice paste is filled into a cone-shape tube which is made from processed Japanese paper with persimmon tannin coating. Then the glue is squeezed out of the tube and carefully put on the outline of the design. Dynamic hand-drawn lines create a unique warmness and richness.

In “Katazome” (Stencil dyeing), paper patterns made from Japanese paper processed with persimmon tannin coating is used to place the starch on the cloth. The hard surface of the paper allows repeated use of the design. This dyeing method is more suitable for elaborate drawing patterns than the hand-drawing method and fine handcraft products can be mass produced with this method.

These hand-drawing and stencil dyeing methods can create a unique and special flair totally different from modern dyeing methods.

[Designated by Kagawa prefecture as Traditional crafts products]
Information provided by Ōkawara Dye House

Translation by Naoko Yamashita

Materials Cotton and silk fabrics,
Sticky rice paste, persimmon tannin, dye
Crafting Processes 【1】Masking
Cloth is scoured (cleaned) before starting all the processes. This is an important procedure to make it dye easily.. Paste is filled in a tube and is laid on the part which needs masking. Different-sized tubes are used according to the design.

【2】Tinting
While tubes are used for masking, brushes are used for tinting.
For both tubes and brushes, different sizes and types are used according to the design.

【3】Dyeing and drying
After dyeing, products are dried naturally. Air conditioners are not used, because its colors will be affected.

【4】Steaming
Dyed cloth is steamed at high temperatures. Dyes are fixed on the cloth during this procedure.

【5】Washing
In order to remove paste and excess dye,
cloth is washed in water after dyeing..

【6】Sun drying
Dyed products are sun dried in the courtyard.

【7】Sewing
Dyed cloth is sewed into various products such as Japanese lion dance costumes, Noren curtains, flags, etc. Large products such as lion dance costumes are dyed piece by piece then carefully sewn together to match all patterns to each other.
History The origin of Sanuki Norizome is not clear, but in the Edo period (17C-19C), work wear and kimonos had already been dyed mainly with indigo for about 200 years around Konya-machi in the Takamatsu castle town, Kagawa Pref., western Japan.
With changes over time, the number of dye houses have decreased. Today, the Ōkawara dye house is the only dye house that still exists. At the Ōkawara dye house, traditional dyeing techniques have been passed down for nearly 200 years.

Today, Noren curtains, flags, curtains decorated in Shinto shrines, Happi coats, lion dance costumes etc. are dyed with a combination of the traditional and new dyeing techniques.

Kagawa prefecture is known for its unique culture, such as lion dance or udon, or Japanese noodle. Sanuki Norizome technique is used to create the lion dance costumes and the Noren curtains for udon shops, by which the tradition has been taken over without being ceased.
Related URL http://www.ok-flag.co.jp/index.cgi

◆Exhibition / Showcase
Ōkawara Dye House
Open hours: 9:00 -18:30
Closed on Sundays, The second Saturdays, Japanese National Holidays
Address: 9-21, Tsukiji-cho, Takamatsu city, Kagawa prefecture, 760-0061
TEL: +81-87-821-5769  FAX: +81-87-821-5227 (Japanese only)


◆Event Information
Please check the information on Okawara Dye House website
Latest information and events are announced.
For more information

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