Unique Indigo Shop near Yanaka Cemetery
Craft Studio Tokugen is located near popular Yanaka Cemetery. Because this shop has no catchy sign it may be overlooked easily. However this shop features one of the kind clothes, 100% cotton or silk fabric dyed with 100% natural indigo. Even though they stick to traditional craft method, their products are really contemporary and sophisticated. Here you can find your favorite deep indigo blue outfit.
What is natural indigo?
Everyone knows indigo by jeans. Most of jeans are dyed with synthetic indigo. Synthetic indigo was invented by German company copying the chemical formula of natural indigo in 19th century. Once it was introduced, it wiped away natural indigo all over the world except Japan.
Natural indigo is made from natural plant. They collect leaves of the plant which is suitable for indigo, dry them up and have them fermented. The fermentation process needs 100 days and special care to maintain proper moisture and temperature by adding water from time to time. Now indigo dye making is seen mostly in Tokushima prefecture in Japan. Special technique and care is also necessary in dyeing process.
Benefits of Natural Indigo
Thanks to all efforts and care in making indigo jewel like indigo cloth is finally made. According to Mr. Tokumoto, shop master, natural indigo contains other color element like red while synthetic indigo contains only blue, natural indigo gives us profound blue color. Natural indigo is also good for people who have sensitive skin or allergy.
On top of those benefits natural indigo will not fade. The blue indigo textile was found in ancient Egyptian remains. That means it lasts thousands years.
Natural indigo clothes here would become your life long partner.
Shop Info.
