Okawahara dye studio
This product is hand-dyed one by one by artisans using the traditional craft technique of Sanuki Nori-zome, a dyeing method from Kagawa Prefecture.
It boldly features a traditional peony flower motif often seen on yutan (protective cloths) used in Sanuki lion dances, combined with a modern polka dot pattern. Durable cotton canvas is used on both the front and back. Enjoy the soft lines and warm gradations unique to the nori-zome technique.
The origins of Sanuki Nori-zome, a traditional craft of Kagawa, are not clearly known, but by the Edo period, many dyeing workshops lined the streets of Konya-machi in the castle town of Takamatsu, primarily producing indigo-dyed work clothes and kimono. Over time, the number of these workshops has decreased, but our family business has preserved the tradition for over 220 years.
Today, while preserving the nori-zome technique, we also incorporate new methods to create items such as noren (shop curtains), banners, flags, shrine curtains, happi coats, and lion dance yutan. Above all, we remain committed to the simple yet challenging philosophy: “Preserve tradition, and create reliable, well-made products with skilled craftsmanship.”
Facing the Seto Inland Sea, Kagawa is blessed with a warm climate and relatively few natural disasters. The dry and low-rainfall conditions make it especially suitable for dyeing. The paste used in Sanuki Nori-zome is made from glutinous rice. The salt added to the paste and the cotton used in dyeing are counted among the “Sanuki Sanpaku” (three famous white products of Sanuki).
Here in Kagawa, there is a unique culture rooted in lion dances and udon noodles. This culture continues to support and nurture the craft of nori-zome, which serves as the foundation for dyeing yutan for lion dances and noren for udon shops.
2006: Commendation by the Governor of Kagawa (6th-generation artisan Shizuo)
2012: Takamatsu City Cultural Encouragement Award (7th-generation artisan Makoto)
2013: Selected as one of the “300 Energetic Small and Medium Enterprises” by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry / SME Agency
2014: Commended as a Model Member Business by the Takamatsu Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Selected for the SDA Award by the Japan Sign Design Association
2020: Silver Prize, Kagawa Prefecture Product Competition
2021: 6th-generation artisan Shizuo awarded the title of “Contemporary Master Craftsman”
2022: 6th-generation artisan Shizuo awarded the Medal with Yellow Ribbon