What I Hold Dear
Mission
Through colors nurtured over time, I propose a life in harmony with nature’s rhythm — enjoying choices that are kind to the earth and to the heart.
Two Teachings
My foundation comes from two phrases I received from my mentor in botanical dyeing.
“Create with materials that are good for the body, as if making for your own family.”
This guides every material choice I make.
No chemicals. Only natural materials. Safe against skin. Safe when returned to the earth.
I want to create for you as I would for my own family. That’s why I choose natural ash-lye fermentation.
“A beautiful heart dyes beautiful colors.”
At first, I didn’t understand. I thought refining technique would produce beautiful colors.
But through daily work with Ai-chan, I realized something.
When I’m rushed, the colors don’t come out well. When my heart is calm, deep colors emerge.
Strangely, indigo reflects the state of the person dyeing it.
So I don’t hurry. I choose quality over efficiency. I believe this attitude shows in the colors.
The Meaning of Taking Time
Modern society demands everything “fast.”
Next-day delivery. Instant response. Quick recipes.
But truly important things cannot grow without time.
Just as wine needs time to mature. Just as relationships need time to deepen. Beautiful colors, too, are nurtured over time.
My indigo takes 4–6 weeks to arrive. Even after arrival, the color continues to grow as you use it.
I hope we can enjoy that time together.
Why I Choose Natural Ash-Lye Fermentation
Most “indigo-dyed” products on the market are dyed with chemicals. It’s efficient, and the colors are consistent.
That’s not wrong.
But I want to offer another choice.
- Sukumo, wood ash, lime, water. Only natural materials.
- Dyed solely by the power of microbial fermentation.
- A technique unchanged for 400 years since the Edo period.
I’m not criticizing chemical dyes. I simply want you to know this choice exists.
The decision is yours.
Our Relationship After Purchase
Delivery is not the end.
Care Consultations Washing, storage, color changes. Please reach out anytime — even with small questions.
Re-dyeing Suggestions When the color fades, we can layer new color on top. Even 10 or 20 years from now.
Growing Colors Together I look forward to seeing how your indigo grows. Some customers send photos of their well-worn pieces. Those connections mean the most to me.
For Those Who Want to Know More
There’s more than I can share on this page.
Daily conversations with Ai-chan. How indigo changes with the seasons. Lessons from failures. The connection between Zen teachings and indigo.
I share these in my blog and newsletter.
Contact
Questions, consultations, custom orders. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.
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