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Japanese Roketsu Indigo Dyeing Workshop in Kyoto

Indigo dyeing, Japanese dye, Japanese craft, artist, textile,

In the vibrant landscape of Japanese fabric dyeing, I found myself at the exclusive studio ROKETSU Dyeing Studio YAMAMOTO offering workshops on the time-honored Roketsu technique. Roketsu, a traditional method steeped in ancient practices, unfolds as hot liquid wax embraces the fabric, leaving areas untouched by the rich indigo dye. This meticulous process, painted onto the canvas with a brush, opens up a realm of artistic possibilities, each stroke weaving a unique story.

Entrance of dyeing studio, Japanese indigo dye textile, bamboo trees, rabbit, moon, Japanese traditional craft
Entrance of dyeing studio in Kyoto japan, Japanese indigo dye textile, bamboo trees, rabbit, moon, Japanese traditional craft

Securing a spot in this captivating workshop was a breeze through their online platform. I selected a Thursday afternoon slot at 1 pm and immersed myself in the experience for a delightful 2-hour session.

The initial step involved choosing from a diverse array of 12 fabrics, each with its own pricing tier. The larger the fabric, the greater the cost and time investment. Options ranged from tote bags to tapestries, with prices varying between 2900yen and 7000yen.

Inside dyeing textile studio in Kyoto japan, Japanese indigo dye textile, bamboo trees, rabbit, moon, Japanese traditional craft
Multiple indigo dyeing textile in Kyoto japan, Japanese indigo dye textile, bamboo trees, rabbit, moon, Japanese traditional craft

With my chosen canvas in hand, I delved into the creative decision-making process, selecting designs from pre-made templates on paper. I selected three motifs—bamboo trees, a moon with a bunny, and delicate dragonflies—an homage to the Moon Festival that coincided with my workshop. 

The process of applying wax to the fabric, though not overly complicated, demanded patience, especially with intricate designs. Submerging the brush into hot liquid wax, removing excess, and carefully applying the wax to create the chosen design unfolded as a meditative and engaging experience. A second layer of wax ensured the preservation of white spaces, untouched by the ensuing dye.

Bamboo brushes and wax for indigo dyeing in Kyoto japan, Japanese indigo dye textile, bamboo trees, rabbit, moon, Japanese traditional craft
Designing process of indigo textile in Kyoto japan, Japanese indigo dye textile, bamboo trees, rabbit, moon, Japanese traditional craft

Once content with the painted designs, the fabric took a transformative plunge into an indigo dye basin for 8 minutes. Guided by the attentive workshop staff, the fabric underwent a series of steps involving hot and cold water baths, a spin cycle, and a final touch with an iron to eliminate wrinkles.

Japanese indigo dye textile, bamboo trees, rabbit, moon, Japanese traditional craft
Japanese indigo dye textile, bamboo trees, rabbit, moon, Japanese traditional craft
Japanese indigo dye textile, bamboo trees, rabbit, moon, Japanese traditional craft

And there it was—a masterpiece ready to be taken home, infused with the essence of tradition, creativity, and the timeless allure of Roketsu dyeing.

Japanese indigo dye textile, bamboo trees, rabbit, moon, Japanese traditional craft, final result