NAGAO ORIFU

Awa Shijira-ori” of Nagao Orifu is made of beautiful water and indigo-dyed, and also created by skills of craftsman.

What is “Awashijiraori”?

In era of Former feudal lord Hachisuka, common people were strictly forbidden to use the silk cloth.

In the Meiji period, Hana Kaifu who is weaving women created it by being inspired by the fact that it shrank when it got wet in the rain.

Its characteristic is the unique unevenness called crimps which is created by the difference in tension due to the number and combination of warp and weft threads.

In July 1978, Awa Shijira-ori using natural Awa indigo was designated as “Awa Shoai Shijira-ori” as a traditional craft designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry.

Attractiveness of “ Awa Shijira-ori”

Awa Shijira-ori is attractive for its unevenness crimps as it adds unique texture and beauty. Vivid crimps emerge by immersing innovatively woven cloth in boiling water of about 75℃ and then drying. It has a pleasant feel, cool and light because of crimps. It made by cotton fabric, so that has excellent water absorbency, and perfect for summer cloth.

Introduce of part of Awa Shijira-ori

Of course, we have Yukata and Kimono, and recently we sale variety of Shijira-ori products which tie, shirt, Japanese interior products. Shijira-ori uses not only Indigo-dyed, but also it has 108 color of threads and more than 200 patterns of design.

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What is Indigo dyeing?

Awa Ai is said to have brought this cultivation method to Japan from China around 900 AD, after former feudal lord Hachisuka recognized the climate in the Tokushima’s Yoshino River valley as suitable for Indigo cultivation

In indigo dyeing, nutrients such as alkali and glucose are added to “Sukumo” (harvested, dried, and fermented indigo leaf) and left to soak for a week. The natural dyeing liquid forms during this period, and deeper, brighter and vivid dyeing colours can be created the more times this process is repeated.

The appeal from being “Indigo-dyed”

For Japanese people, the vivid and deep shades of Indigo have been historically loved as the most universal color which heals the heart.

Natural Indigo dyes cotton very well, and it is resistant to sunlight and washing with water. The more the Indigo dye is washed, the deeper and more calm the color becomes. The scent that increases with weathering is said to have an insect repellent effect and Indigo is said to have a medicinal effect that protects the skin, all making it very suitable for clothing.

◇Indigo-dyed factory tour

Fee Free of charge*

Reservation required
Tour time about 20 minutes

◇Indigo Dyeing Trial

*Group discount for groups of 10 or more
　Only 1,100 yen for a handkerchief will be 900 yen.

※ Includes each instruction fee.

※ The size is the cut size, so it will shrink slightly after dyeing.

※ You can bring your own items and dye them freely, the facility usage fee is 500JPY per person. Also, the dyeing fee is 750JPY for all items within 50g per, plus 15JPY per 1g if it exceeds that. It all tax included.

There is a two section system , when you bring your own items.

AM 9:00 to 12:00 / PM 13:00 to 16:00

※The workshop fee will be on-site payment on the day.

※We only accept cash for the workshop fee.

◇Business hours and closed days

Business hours: AM9: 00-PM4: 00

Closed days: Saturdays and Sundays

* We may open in some cases such as group reservations, please contact us.

Form

Tour/Trial Reservations

Please fill the required information, we will contact you.

Please make a reservation by email at least 5 days in advance. If you are in a hurry, please call us directly.

Depending on the policy of the provider, you may not receive the automatic transmission confirmation email.

If there is no answer from us within 3 days, please contact us directly.