Dyeing the Indigo of Gujo -Taking home your original piece of artwork and special memories of experiencing Indigo Dyeing-
Gujo Honzome is a traditional technique passed down since ancient times in Gujo Hachiman. It uses natural indigo and stencils to dye beautiful patterns. The process involves closely monitoring the fermentation of the indigo vats and repeatedly layered dyeing to create the deep, signature “Gujo Indigo.” This meticulous process embodies the local lifestyle and the spirit of handcraft. As a unique “living-in” experience at SOSEKIAN, you will enjoy the traditional culture of indigo dyeing that thrives in Gujo. Our staff will guide you carefully every step of the way to create your own unique piece. The finished artwork will be placed in a paulownia wood box which you will be taking home along with your precious travel memories.
- Full staff guidance included
- Beginner-friendly experience program
- Finished work will be presented in a SOSEKIAN original paulownia wood box
- A special experience to take home the culture of Gujo and your travel memories
| Duration: Approx. 180 minutes | Itinerary |
|---|---|
| – | Depart SOSEKIAN / Arrive at the Workshop Studio |
| 10 min | Introduction to Indigo Culture & Experience Overview |
| 50 min | Designing and Creating Shibori Patterns (Using thread and string) |
| 90 min | Indigo Dyeing Experience (Dye vat process, rinsing, and oxidizing for color transformation) |
| 10 min | Untying the Fabric & Revealing Your Unique Pattern |
| 10 min | Commemorative Photo Session |
| – | Return to SOSEKIAN |
| Price | ¥22,000 per person (tax and materials included) |
Workshop Process
1. Tying the Fabric to create your design
Fold, knot, and bind the fabric while imagining your ideal design.
Even when using the same technique, every single pattern emerges completely unique.
2. Dyeing in the Traditional Gujo Indigo vats
Dip your fabric into an authentic, earth-sunken indigo vat with instructions from a master craftsman.
You can witness a mystical transformation: the very moment the cloth is exposed to the air, its color changes from green to a profound, deep indigo.
3. Meeting your finished Indigo artwork
Unveiling the shibori is the ultimate highlight of this workshop.
As you untie the fabric, a beautiful contrast of indigo gradients and your custom-made pattern will appear.
“A One-of-a-Kind Creation update-holding the Soul of Gujo Indigo”
Your finished indigo artwork will be elegantly nested inside SOSEKIAN’s signature paulownia wood box before being presented to you.