A One-Day Katazome Stencil Dyeing Experience (5hrs)
Yotsume Dyehouse, located in Kunisaki City, Oita Prefecture, produces artwork using traditional Japanese techniques such as katazome stencil dyeing and tsutsugaki freehand resist dyeing —all under the motto “bringing dyeing into our everyday lives.” Owner and textile artist Toyokazu Ono is behind the workshop’s beautiful, creative designs. In this program, experience nearly every step of the craftmaking process, from making resist-dye paste to the dyeing itself; use Ono’s original katazome stencils to create your very own table runner. Although stencil dyeing is delicate work, a craftsperson will carefully guide you through the process so even beginners can join in.
- ● Experience nearly all the process of stencil dyeing in one day
- ● Make a table runner with Yotsume Dyehouse’s original designs
- ● Learn katazome techniques directly from the craftsperson, Toyokazu Ono
- ● Get an inside look at workshops not usually open to the public
- ● Shop at the Yotsume Dyehouse gallery store
- Toyokazu OnoYotsume Dyehouse Owner and Founder / Katazome Artist & Designer
- Born 1982 in Hiroshima Prefecture. His family runs a dyehouse called Hoeido Dye Factory, established in 1895. After graduating from the graphic design department of Hiroshima Art Seminary, Ono worked as an apprentice at Yoshida Hataten in Gifu Prefecture before joining his family’s dye busines. While working there, Ono’s desire to create his own designs grew stronger, and in 2014 he became independent. The following year, Ono moved to Kunisaki City, Oita prefecture and launched Yostume Dyehouse, where he continues to produce works and designs using traditional techniques such as katazome stencil dyeing and tsutsugaki freehand resist dyeing.
Katazome: A Traditional Japanese Dyeing Technique
A traditional Japanese dyeing technique, katazome is a technique in which a craftsperson uses stencils to apply resist-dye paste on fabric to create patterns. Its history stretches back to the Kamakura period (1185-1333), and by the Edo period (1603-1868) katazome had become a technique used for a variety of everyday fabrics, such as kimonos and noren curtains, due to its mass-producibility and diversity of patterns. Yotsume Dyehouse uses two techniques: katazome stencil dyeing with traditional rice paste, and tsutsugaki, a method of dyeing without stencils by free-hand drawing with resist-dye paste.
Creative Endeavours Amidst Kunisaki’s Natural Ecosystem
Toyokazu Ono studied graphic design with the expectation that he would eventually take over the family dyeing studio. But after briefly returning to his hometown to help with the family business, he moved to Kunisaki City in Oita Prefecture with his wife, ceramic artist Miki Oka, to devote himself to creative activities using his own designs. In Kunisaki, an area rich in nature, surrounded by mountains and sea, Ono has been creating a flurry of beautiful textile designs inspired by the surrounding flora and fauna, along with local traditions such as the Kebesu Festival.
Learn the Fundamentals of Katazome in One Day
In this program, experience the main processes of katazome in one day: from making glue to dyeing fabric. First mix resist-dye paste by combining rice glue, bran and quicklime (calcium oxide), and place the glue on the fabric using a beautiful, original stencil created by Yotsume Dyehouse. Carefully removing the stencil reveals the paste applied to areas of the fabric that will remain white through the dyeing process. In the afternoon, blend dyes and paint over the dried fabric with a brush.
A Table Runner Made with Yotsume Dyehouse’s Stencils
The hemp table runner made by Yotsume Dyehouse, also sold in their shop, is an excellent way to easily introduce dyed goods as an interior accent to any room. Pick your favorite design from several original stencils created by the dyehouse, and make your very own table runner. Please note that this program only allows time for experiencing katazome until the fabric dyeing step. Finishing touches will be done by Yotsume Dyehouse, and the final product will be mailed to you at a later date.
| Tour Code | GFKN01 |
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| Dates | Tours are currently on hold. (Requests for observation-only visits are accepted) *Request type: Please send us your preferred dates using the inquiry form. We will check availability and get back to you. |
| Duration | 5 hours |
| Schedule |
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| Languages | Japanese ●Supplementary explanations in English via translation device or lecture board can be provided upon request. Please make a note in the message box during registration to request this service. ※An English interpreter can also be arranged for an additional fee. Please contact UNA Laboratories for more details. |
| Participants | Minimum 2 / Maximum 6 |
| Meeting Place |
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| Reservation Deadline | 3 days before the start of the tour
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| Payment Method | Advance payment at the time of reservation (VISA, Mastercard, Amex, JCB) |
| Attire | Dye paints will be used in this program, so please wear clothes that you wouldn’t mind getting dirty. |
| Please Note |
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| Cancellation Policy | 3 to 1 day(s) preceding the tour start date: 50% of the tour fee |
Travel Planning: Implementation
- UNA Laboratories Inc. (Fukuoka Prefectural Governor Registration #2-951)
- 3-12-22-302 Yakuin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture 810-0022
- TEL: 092-982-7956E-MAIL: tour@unalabs.jp
- Domestic Certified Travel Supervisors:
Aya Tamura, Noriko Yahata, Rei Watanabe - Business Hours:
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (Closed Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays) - *Requests received outside of business hours will be processed the following business day.
- *Domestic Certified Travel Supervisors are responsible for transactions held at the sales office that processes customers’ travel. Please do not hesitate to contact the aforementioned Domestic Certified Travel Supervisors with any questions or concerns regarding the travel contract.
Tour Information
- Dates
- Tours are currently on hold. (Requests for observation-only visits are accepted)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Recommended Age
- 13+
- Price
- 16,800yen (tax included)
- Remarks
- ※Material fee included
※8,400 yen for guests under 18. Guests under 18 can accompany a parent or guardian on the studio visit (without the katazome experience) for free.