AOLA
They developed their own method of refining indigo. This has enabled unprecedented processing methods such as painting and spraying, as well as dyeing, to expand the range of applications. As a result, products with innovative textures were born, while retaining the traditional taste. The application of this technology has led to the creation of household goods, interior decorations, building materials and other products.
The origin of Awa indigo dates back to the Heian period.
The earliest known reference to indigo in Japan dates back to 1247, when indigo was used to dye garments, and a record of a large quantity of indigo leaves being unloaded from Awa into the port of Hyogo in 1445.
Indigo was a representative pigment resource with antibacterial and antioxidant properties, and in that period it was used as a base for armour and for armor.
The company was born with the aim of not only utilising this representative Japanese indigo dye as a dye, but also applying modern technology to expand the range of its uses.
Currently, they are trying to expand the range of applications not only to wood, but also to ceramics and metal.
Wood raw materials
The production area is selected according to the species of timber, mainly domestically produced timber. (e.g. For construction timber, softwoods such as cedar are the mainstream and timber from Tokushima Prefecture is used extensively. For furniture timber, hardwoods such as ash and oak are the main species, with cold-weather timber from hardwood production areas being the main species used. For tableware, white wood and wood grain are selected not only by region of origin but also by the grain of the wood, such as Japanese cypress and Japanese horse chestnut, in order to enhance indigo.)
Indigo raw materials
The company is as concerned with the quality of the wood as it is with the quality of the product, and carries out production under its own management. One of the reasons Tokushima has been the largest producer of indigo in Japan is its abundant water resources, and the use of clear streams produces the beautiful pigments.
Monozukuri Grand Prix - Shikoku Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry Director-General's Award
Selected by Cool Japan
Qualified as non-flammable and semi-non-flammable as required by the Building Standard Law as a building material.
Passed the Italian and British tests, which are said to be the world's strictest European standards for food contact product testing, proving safety as a product that comes into contact with food. In the US project, it has passed the US test.