Matsuda Dyeing Works | Dying

Brand

Over 300 years in business, passing on tradition to the next generation

Matsuda Dyeing Works

• 1702
• Dying
• Nariki Matsuda

History

One of the few dyeing techniques in Japan

We are a long-established company with a history of about 320 years, founded in 1702, the end of the Edo period.

We originally started our business as an indigo dyer and started dyeing tube-painted products in the early Meiji period.

Aizome is a dyeing technique in which the leaves of the tade-ai plant are dried and fermented to make a dye solution using a raw material called sukumo, and then the cloth is soaked in the solution and dyed.

It is also known as indigo dyeing or Japan blue.

Tube-painting dyeing begins by putting anti-dyeing glue made from glutinous rice and other ingredients into a tube of Shibushi paper, and drawing the outline of the pattern directly on the linen while pushing the glue out from the end of the tube.

After letting the glue dry in the sun, a brush made of deer or wolf hair is used to add color to the white linen.

When the glue is washed off with water and exposed to the sun, the pure white curves emerge beautifully.

Characteristic

A bright flag at sea

Of all the tube-painted and dyed products, the Tairyo flag is the most frequently ordered.

Tairyo flags were originally made in a subdued design as a means of communication (signaling) at sea where sound could not reach.

In recent years, the flag is increasingly given as a congratulatory gift to new shipowners by those involved in building new ships, and the design has changed to be more colorful.

In this project, we have produced custom-made Tairyo flags as souvenirs and gifts, and developed familiar products such as eco-bags and tote bags.

For Customers

Handmade warmth

Because it takes a lot of time and effort, tube-drawing dyeing has disappeared one after another throughout Japan, and we are the only ones left in Tottori Prefecture.

But we are concentrating on our work, saying, "We cannot end the tradition that has continued for over 300 years.

Fortunately, my eldest son wants to follow in my footsteps, and he is in the midst of training to pass on all my know-how.

Each piece is handmade and original.

I would be happy if you could feel the warmth of my hands that you cannot find in machines.