Dyeing, where Color and Time are Layered
Established in 1887 by the skilled dyer Kanbei Nagano in Moto-Aramachi (now Aoba-ku Ichibancho), the Nagakan Dyeing Factory boasts a rich history of crafting happi coats and aprons for the city's merchants, craftsmen, and residents in the past. Today, Nagakan continues to employ traditional methods to create a diverse array of products, ranging from shrine banners and izakaya aprons to noren curtains for the local community.
Tenugui: both functional and elegant
Tenugui, a traditional Japanese cloth, possess a thin yet highly absorbent quality that ensures quick drying. Unlike bulky towels, their long, slender design makes them a versatile alternative, perfect for use as a handkerchief or wrapping material. Popularized in the Edo period, these long cotton cloths are still widely used in Japan in both daily life and often exchanges as gifts.
Tenasen, Harmony between Fabrics and Colors
Artisans carefully hand-dye the patterns using the traditional tenasenzome technique, in which different color dyes are used for each pattern frame. This method guarantees a rich and uniform color that harmonizes well together with the soft texture of cotton.
Select the Pattern
In this 2-hour workshop, you'll have the unique opportunity to experience dyeing your own tenugui inside the dye factory. Firstly, choose from a selection of Nagakan's design, including "Cherry Blossom," "Satsuma Stripe," "Dragonfly," "Sayagata," "Goldfish," "Hemp Leaf," "Rabbit," and "Hitta."
Color Blending
Artisans adjust color tones by modifying the amount of paste mixed, taking into account temperature and humidity to achieve the desired color.
Tenasen
After unrolling the fabric onto the long, slanted table called a nassendai, a wooden spatula with rubber is pulled across the fabric, speading the dye slowly and evenly to ensure that designs are cleanly printed. After drying, Nagakan aritsans will carry out the processes of color fixing and washing. The items will then be sent to your home later through mail service by Oshinsha.