HIROYUKI KIKUTA｜KAGA YUZEN

Brand

Enjoy the freedom to create with traditional crafts

HIROYUKI KIKUTA

• 2001
• Kaga Yuzen
• Hiroyuki Kikuta

History

500-year history of dyeing techniques

Dyeing in Kaga began about 500 years ago with "ume-zome," a technique of dyeing plain colors with the skin or root of the plum tree.

About 200 years later, Miyazaki Yuzensai, a popular fan painter in Kyoto, moved to Kanazawa and developed the technique by inventing a series of novel pattern dyeing methods.

Kaga yuzen flourished within the samurai culture of the Kaga domain and produced many artists.

I, Hiroyuki Kikuta, studied under Kaga Yuzen artist Satoshi Maekawa before becoming an independent artist in 2001.

In order to become an artist, it is necessary to have at least 5 years of training under a master.

After acquiring sufficient skills, the artist is recommended for membership in the association.

The artist's seal of approval is stamped on the kimono produced, and this is a guarantee of quality for the traditional craft of "Kaga Yuzen".

Characteristic

Pouring a playful spirit into blurred dyeing

Unlike Kyoto Yuzen, Kaga Yuzen does not use techniques other than dyeing, such as gold leaf or tie-dyeing.

The artist adds or subtracts colors to or from the basic five natural colors called "Kaga Gosai" to create realistic patterns of flowers and plants in a painterly style.

The artist also has his own unique technique of bokashi-dyeing, in which glue is placed on the outline to prevent the colors from bleeding into other parts of the pattern.

The "outer bokashi" technique is to make the outside of the pattern darker and gradually lighten the color toward the center.

"Mushikui" is a technique that uses the leaves of a tree being eaten by insects as an accent to the pattern.

I have been working hard right and left in this wonderful world of traditional craftsmanship.

And now, I have created small items with a playful and enjoyable spirit, drawing heartwarming patterns that I do not usually draw.

All of them are authentic yuzen dyeing, hand-painted one by one in the same process as kimonos.

For Customers

Enjoy the finest handiwork

Kaga Yuzen is a traditional Japanese craft that has continued for 300 years.

The beautiful patterns created through numerous processes that have remained unchanged over time and with a great deal of care and attention are a beautiful way to dress for parties and ceremonies.

The artist has taken the techniques of Kaga Yuzen and added a playful touch to his creations.

There are many heartwarming patterns that are not usually incorporated into kimono.

The designs of adorable animals and things you see in daily life will make your heart warm and fuzzy.

We would be happy if you could enjoy the best handicrafts that Japan is proud of.

Award

2008 Certified as a traditional craftsman

2012 Excellent Prize, 155th BiTen Kaga Yuzen Meisho Souzou Exhibition, Japan

2017 Silver Prize, 39th Traditional Kaga Yuzen Exhibition

2018 Gold Prize, 40th Traditional Kaga Yuzen Exhibition

2018, 161st BiTen, Kaga Yuzen Master Craftsman Creation Exhibition, Excellent Prize

Producer

Bringing the value of "Japan's hidden talent" to more people

■J Flavor

Bringing smiles to the local community, to the world, and to society.

We, J Flavor, are a craft production group that creates new value by combining the various talents that Japan possesses in terms of tradition, technology, and sensitivity.

We want people all over the world to know the talent that Japan.

Through the value of Japanese products, we aim to create a society where everyone has a smile.