Dorozome is a traditional mud-dyeing technique originated from Amami Oshima, an island in Southern Japan. It has been traditionally used for Kimono production for centuries. As part of our research, we went on a field trip to Amami Oshima to work directly with the artisans of Kanai Kougei, a Dorozome dyeing workshop. As a result of the field trip, we translated our experience in Amami into a research book and a textile installation.
This book is composed of 11 interviews of Dorozome artisans, accompanied by photographs of the island and the workshop. The goal with the book is to communicate knowledge about Dorozome directly from the people performing it every day. In their testimonies, the artisans are addressing diverse themes such as the history of Dorozome, the island's nature and materials, and the oral tradition of teaching Dorozome.
Dorozome is a traditional mud-dyeing technique originated from Amami Oshima, an island in Southern Japan. It has been traditionally used for Kimono production for centuries. As part of our research, we went on a field trip to Amami Oshima to work directly with the artisans of Kanai Kougei, a Dorozome dyeing workshop. As a result of the field trip, we translated our experience in Amami into a research book and a textile installation.
This book is composed of 11 interviews of Dorozome artisans, accompanied by photographs of the island and the workshop. The goal with the book is to communicate knowledge about Dorozome directly from the people performing it every day. In their testimonies, the artisans are addressing diverse themes such as the history of Dorozome, the island's nature and materials, and the oral tradition of teaching Dorozome.