About K-iwami's commitment to "dyeing" and "sewing".

Our commitment to dyeing

Among Japan's traditional crafts, the Edo Komon dyeing technique is particularly known for its refined beauty. This dyeing technique is an advanced technique for dyeing intricate patterns onto fabric, and has been refined over a long history. The Edo Komon dyeing technique uses intricate stencils called Ise stencils, which are carefully applied one by one by skilled craftsmen.

This Edo Komon dyeing technique is not just a dyeing method, but can be considered an art that combines Japanese aesthetic sense and artisanal technique. In particular, "Edo Komon®", which dyes intricate patterns evenly, has fascinated many people with its delicacy and beauty.

The Edo Komon dyeing technique is characterized by the ability to dye extremely fine patterns evenly. This technique is supported by precise stencils called Ise Katagami. Ise Katagami are carved by hand one by one by skilled craftsmen, and are so beautiful that they can be called works of art in themselves.

"Edo Komon®", which uses Edo Komon dyeing techniques, is used not only for kimonos and Japanese accessories, but also for modern fashion items due to its unique texture and beauty. The fusion of this traditional dyeing technique with modern design creates new appeal.

Thanks to the efforts of artisans who continue to preserve the techniques of Edo Komon dyeing, this traditional craft has been passed down to the present day. Their skills and passion play an important role in passing on Japan's cultural heritage to the future. The techniques of Edo Komon dyeing are particularly valuable among Japan's traditional crafts, and must be cherished and passed down in the future.

What is "Edo Komon®" dyeing?

The Edo Komon dyeing technique is known as a particularly sophisticated dyeing technique among Japan's traditional crafts. Komon refers to kimonos dyed with intricate or small patterns. Among them, "Edo Komon®" uses intricate and detailed "Ise Katagami" carved by skilled craftsmen in the Ise region, and highly skilled craftsmen who are certified as traditional craftsmen in Tokyo use a dye-resistant paste and a spatula-dyeing technique called kata-suri.

The Edo Komon dyeing technique requires advanced techniques and delicate sensibilities that have been cultivated over a long history. The fine "Edo Komon®", which is the culmination of these techniques, is said to be breathtakingly beautiful, and its beauty captivates those who see it. The Edo Komon dyeing technique should continue to be passed down by capable successors.

The Edo Komon dyeing technique is characterized by its minuteness and delicacy. Each pattern is so small that it is difficult to distinguish them with the naked eye. These intricate patterns are carefully dyed, stitch by stitch, by skilled craftsmen. Kimono made using the Edo Komon dyeing technique continue to be loved by many people for their grace and dignified appearance.

"Breathtakingly beautiful" traditional crafts

Komon refers to kimonos dyed with intricate or small patterns. Among them, "Edo Komon" uses intricate and detailed "Ise Katagami" paper carved by skilled craftsmen in the Ise region, and highly skilled craftsmen with traditional craft certification in Tokyo use a dye-resistant paste and a spatula-dyeing technique called "kata-suri." This Edo Komon technique is essential for beautifully expressing delicate patterns.

Edo Komon is characterized by its intricate patterns. At first glance, the patterns appear to be solid colors, but in fact they are arranged in an intricate manner. These minute patterns, called "mijin," can be said to be the essence of Edo Komon, which brings together the finest techniques. For this reason, Edo Komon is praised for its breathtaking beauty, and the techniques and sensibilities cultivated over a long tradition are still being passed down to talented successors.

The dyeing process of Edo Komon is very complicated and requires great skill. Craftsmen use a unique method of dyeing, placing a dye-resistant paste using a stencil, and then dyeing the base color. This technique creates the delicate and vivid patterns that are unique to Edo Komon.

In this way, Edo Komon can be said to be a dyeing technique that embodies particularly advanced techniques and aesthetic sense among Japan's traditional crafts. Its beauty and intricacy continue to captivate the hearts of those who see it.

The Edo Komon dyeing technique is highly regarded for its outstanding technique and traditional value. Ryuichi Nakajo, who has been recognized as a contemporary master craftsman, has mastered the techniques of the Edo Komon dyeing technique and was awarded the Medal with Yellow Ribbon for his achievements. This honor recognizes the many years of effort and dedication of the artisans who have protected and developed the Edo Komon dyeing technique. The Edo Komon dyeing technique requires advanced techniques to dye intricate patterns, and its delicacy and beauty are unmatched by other dyeing techniques. Contemporary master craftsmen are inheriting this traditional technique while also working on new expressions and technological innovations, paving the way for the future of the Edo Komon dyeing technique.

To inherit the traditional techniques of Edo Komon and pass on its beauty to future generations, skilled craftsmen are honing their skills every day. Edo Komon dyeing is a delicate process that uses intricate stencils called Ise Katagami, carefully applies a dye-resistant paste, and painstakingly dyes each piece with a spatula. This Edo Komon technique is the culmination of the sensibility and skills of craftsmen cultivated over a long history, and is still highly regarded today. Craftsmen involved in Edo Komon dyeing have honed their skills in this traditional craft, and continue to produce works of breathtaking beauty. The appeal of Edo Komon lies in its delicate patterns and deep colors, which add color to our lives in various forms such as kimonos and accessories.

Daimatsu Dyeing Factory, which dyes K-iwami products, is a long-established dyeing factory that continues to preserve the techniques of Edo Komon dyeing. Craftsmen with advanced skills and experience who have inherited the traditions of Edo Komon dyeing carefully dye each item. While valuing traditional techniques and pursuing the intricate patterns and deep colors that are characteristic of Edo Komon dyeing, the factory is also making innovative efforts to meet modern needs.

In the Edo Komon dyeing technique, Daimatsu Dyeing Factory is particularly particular about the stenciling and dyeing processes. Stenciling, which is done by hand by skilled craftsmen, is a crucial process in Edo Komon dyeing. In addition, by combining traditional dyes with the latest dyeing techniques, we are able to achieve a vibrant and durable finish.

Furthermore, Daimatsu Dyeing Factory is also working on environmentally friendly dyeing, and while making use of Edo Komon dyeing techniques, they are also working hard to develop more sustainable dyeing methods. In this way, they continue to strive to bring out the best in Edo Komon dyeing by balancing tradition and innovation.

The patterns created by the Edo Komon dyeing technique are loved by many people for their intricacy and beauty as "Edo Komon®." This traditional craft is still highly regarded today, and is applied not only to kimonos and Japanese accessories, but also to modern fashion items such as K-iwami products.

Edo Komon® is known as a traditional Japanese dyeing technique. Its origins date back to the Muromachi period, when it was first used for leather parts of armor and family crests. It is believed that Edo Komon® techniques began to be applied to clothing in the late Muromachi period.

In the early Edo period, Edo Komon® began to be used to dye the formal attire of samurai, and the technique rapidly developed and became widespread. In the mid-Edo period, along with the development of townspeople culture, Edo Komon® became beloved by ordinary people, transcending social status and time.

Edo Komon® is characterized by its delicate patterns and advanced dyeing techniques. Using elaborate stencils called Ise katagami, each piece is carefully dyed by hand by skilled craftsmen. This traditional technique is still passed down today by talented successors.

In 1955, "Edo Komon®" was established as the official name for Tokyo dyed fabrics to distinguish them from Kyo Komon and Kaga Komon. Since then, Edo Komon® has continued to increase in value as a traditional craft that Japan is proud of. It is important to continue to pass on this wonderful dyeing technique to the next generation and to continue to carefully protect it as a cultural heritage of Japan.

The techniques of Edo Komon dyeing, which have been cultivated over a long period of tradition, have been passed down by talented successors. This traditional craft is a cultural heritage of which Japan is proud, and it must be cherished and passed down forever.

[For those who want to know more about K-iwami's commitment]

To gain a deeper understanding of the Edo Komon dyeing technique, it is necessary to look at the related materials and processes. The traditional Edo Komon dyeing technique utilizes the skills of a master craftsman in every process, from material selection to sewing.

First of all, the fabric used for Edo Komon dyeing is woven with an ultra-lightweight fiber called "Kaminoito®." This special fiber has excellent breathability and water absorption properties, and plays an important role in enhancing the beauty of Edo Komon dyeing.

Ultra-lightweight fiber "Kaminoito®"

At the time of development, the fabric was woven with Kaminoito®, an ultra-lightweight fiber produced by a spinning company in Izumo, and was compatible with Edo Komon dyeing techniques, making it possible to make use of traditional dyeing techniques. This fabric is highly breathable, absorbent, quick-drying, and durable, bringing out the beauty of Edo Komon dyeing. It also has deodorizing and sterilizing properties and a cooling effect to the touch, making it a material that can be used for a long time. By dyeing this material with Edo Komon, we were able to take advantage of the characteristics of Kaminoito® and use traditional dyeing techniques to express more delicate and beautiful Edo Komon patterns. The combination of Edo Komon dyeing techniques and Kaminoito® is a wonderful example that symbolizes the fusion of tradition and innovation.

Edo Komon Dyeing Techniques

Next, looking at the technique itself, Edo Komon dyeing uses advanced dyeing techniques that have been recognized as a traditional craft by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. This technique is what creates the delicate and beautiful patterns of Edo Komon dyeing.

Skilled sewing techniques by Japanese craftsmen

Finally, sewing products made from fabrics finished with Edo Komon dyeing also requires skilled techniques. Specialized craftsmen, such as those at "Hajimezawa Bags," use careful and precise sewing techniques to bring out the charm of Edo Komon dyeing to the fullest.

By combining these elements, the traditional techniques of Edo Komon dyeing have been passed down to the present day, and K-iwami supports this through the creation of products that preserve its beauty and value. In order to understand the depth of Edo Komon dyeing, it is important to look at these related fields as well.

This is the commitment behind Murataya Co., Ltd.'s K-iwami products.