A day of Master(Natural indigo) | 久留米絣織元　下川織物

The indigo dyeing of Kurume Kasuri is inherited from the traditional and most difficult dyeing method called “Fermentation”. The subtle shades of color have the appeal of changing the look both robustly and elegantly. In the Kamakura period, the custom of samurai wearing a kind of indigo “Kachiiro” under armor was established. It is said that indigo has anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and hemostasis effects, and that “kachi” is linked to “winning” and is said to be auspicious. It was also useful for mountains and agricultural work because it did not attract insects and snakes, and it was also useful for kimonos and futons that were put into marriage because “insects did not stick”. It also has excellent heat retention and is less likely to cause rough skin, making it ideal for baby clothes.

The warp thread uses a fine count cotton thread called 60/2. Delicate and glossy expression can be achieved. Pursuing softness by reducing the number of vertical lines compared to the standard weave structure.

In order to supplement the strength of the weave, weft threads are made of thick and uneven threads called 10/1 slabs. The unbalanced design of vertical and horizontal compared to the standard weave design of plain weave. The delicate and deep charm of indigo dyeing and the texture that you can enjoy the feeling of softness and unevenness can be achieved by warping and weaving ingenuity of Kurume Kasuri which weaves without applying tension as much as possible.