Kiyomizu Dye Works: Crafting Kyoto's Textile Legacy
Traditional Japanese Dyeing & Weaving in the Heart of Kyoto
Explore Our Craft
Traditional Japanese Dyeing & Weaving in the Heart of Kyoto
Explore Our Craft
For generations, Kiyomizu Dye Works has stood as a proud guardian of Kyoto's esteemed textile arts, a tradition woven into the very fabric of this historic city. Nestled amidst the serene beauty and cultural depth of Kyoto, our studio is a sanctuary where ancient techniques are meticulously preserved and practiced. We specialize in revered methods such as Kyo-Yuzen, known for its elaborate, painted designs, and Kyo-Komon, which features delicate, repetitive patterns. These skills are not merely learned; they are inherited, passed down through a lineage of dedicated masters who have devoted their lives to perfecting this intricate craft.
Our philosophy transcends simple production; it is a deep commitment to honoring the past while simultaneously contributing beauty and innovation to the future. We believe in preserving the intricate skills that define Kyoto's textile heritage, recognizing their profound cultural significance within Japan and their unique artistic value globally. Every step in our process, from the careful selection and preparation of the finest silks and natural fibers to the final, vibrant application of dye, is performed with unparalleled attention to detail and a spirit of mindfulness. We see ourselves as more than just artisans; we are living conduits of a dynamic, evolving tradition, dedicated to sharing its exquisite beauty and rich history with everyone who seeks to understand it.
Our journey began many decades ago, deeply rooted in the specific environmental conditions and the unparalleled artistic heritage that only Kyoto can offer. The city's unique climate, particularly its soft water, is considered essential for achieving the nuanced colors and textures characteristic of Kyo-Yuzen. Each piece we create is a narrative, telling a story that starts with the initial concept and design, moves through the careful application of resist paste, the vibrant dyeing baths, the precise washing to reveal the pattern, and culminates in the final, expert finishing. For our exquisite Obi sashes, this narrative includes the complex, rhythmic art of traditional weaving on time-honored looms. We are unwavering in our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship that have defined Kyoto textiles for centuries, ensuring that every fabric leaving our workshop is a testament to quality, beauty, and enduring tradition.
Our core expertise lies in the masterful application of traditional resist-dyeing techniques, primarily Kyo-Yuzen and Kyo-Komon, to create fabrics of unparalleled beauty for kimonos. Kyo-Yuzen involves intricate hand-painting and paste resist methods to produce vibrant, detailed scenes and motifs, while Kyo-Komon focuses on delicate, repetitive patterns using stencils, often creating a subtle elegance. We painstakingly apply these centuries-old techniques to transform plain silk into breathtaking works of wearable art, ensuring each fabric possesses the unique character and depth of color that define these esteemed styles. These fabrics serve as the foundation for heirloom-quality kimonos, embodying grace and tradition.
Complementing our dyeing services, we also specialize in the art of traditional obi weaving. The obi is a crucial and often elaborate sash worn with the kimono, and its creation is an art form in itself. Using time-honored looms and techniques, our weavers craft beautiful and durable obis that are perfectly matched to the style and formality of the kimono. We work with various types of threads and weaves to create complex patterns and textures, producing sashes that are not only structurally sound but also exquisite pieces of textile art that enhance the overall elegance of the traditional Japanese ensemble. An expertly woven obi adds significant value and beauty to any kimono.
Owning a vintage kimono or obi connects you to history. Our restoration service is dedicated to preserving these precious links to the past. Our skilled artisans employ delicate techniques to repair, clean, and revitalize vintage or damaged traditional textiles, including kimonos and obis. We carefully assess each piece to determine the best approach, whether it involves mending tears, stabilizing fragile threads, gentle cleaning to remove age-related discoloration, or restoring faded colors using period-appropriate methods. Our goal is to preserve the historical integrity and inherent beauty of these irreplaceable items for future generations to appreciate and cherish.
For those seeking a truly unique garment, we offer a bespoke custom kimono creation service. Collaborate directly with our master artisans to design a kimono that reflects your personal style, specific occasion, or desired theme. From selecting the finest silk and determining the pattern layout to choosing the perfect colors and applying the dyeing techniques, every step is tailored to your vision. We guide you through the creative process, ensuring the final, hand-dyed and tailored kimono is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that perfectly embodies your aesthetic and our commitment to exquisite craftsmanship. This is an opportunity to participate in the creation of a personal legacy piece.
The beauty of a kimono ensemble extends to its complementary accessories. We craft a range of exquisite items using the same traditional dyeing and textile techniques as our main pieces. This includes making beautiful fukusa (ceremonial gift wraps), elegant pouches, decorative fans, and other small items. These accessories are often dyed with matching or complementary patterns to specific kimonos or feature their own unique designs. They make perfect gifts or personal treasures, allowing you to carry a piece of Kyoto's textile art with you every day, or to complete a formal attire with perfect coordination.
For designers, artists, or anyone who appreciates the quality and beauty of traditional Japanese textiles, we offer a selection of our exquisite hand-dyed and woven fabrics for direct purchase. These fabrics, created using our signature techniques, are suitable for a variety of applications, from bespoke garments and home decor to artistic projects. Each piece represents the culmination of skilled craftsmanship and artistic vision, offering a unique opportunity to incorporate authentic Kyoto textiles into your own creations. Available fabrics vary, showcasing a range of patterns, colors, and textures produced in our workshop.
The journey begins with inspiration and careful planning. Our designers translate traditional motifs and contemporary ideas into intricate sketches, sometimes creating entirely new patterns. Simultaneously, the finest quality silk or other natural fibers are meticulously prepared. This includes washing, stretching, and ensuring the fabric is perfectly smooth and ready to receive the dye. The selection of material is crucial, as its quality directly impacts the final result of the dyeing process.
For techniques like Yuzen, the design is transferred onto the fabric. Then, a crucial step is the application of a resist material, traditionally a paste made from rice flour (Itanori). This paste is skillfully applied to areas that should remain undyed during the subsequent immersion. This meticulous process, often done with precision tools, outlines the patterns and creates boundaries that will define the final design when the paste is washed away. Multiple layers of resist might be applied for complex multi-color designs.
The prepared fabric, now bearing the resist patterns, is ready for dyeing. We use both natural dyes derived from plants and minerals, as well as carefully mixed synthetic dyes to achieve a wide spectrum of colors while maintaining traditional aesthetics. The fabric is carefully immersed in dye vats, or colors are applied by hand for nuanced effects. Often, this is a layered process, with the fabric dyed in stages, applying and removing resist between dips, to build up the complex depth and subtle shading characteristic of Kyo-Yuzen.
Once the dyeing is complete and the dyes are fixed (often through steaming), the fabric undergoes a crucial washing process, traditionally in a clear stream or with soft water. This removes the resist paste, revealing the intricate pattern underneath the dyed areas. The contrast between the dyed and resisted sections brings the design to life. After washing, the fabric is carefully dried and subjected to finishing techniques such as steaming, pressing, and stretching to ensure it has the desired texture, sheen, and drape.
For the creation of our exquisite Obi sashes, the process involves traditional weaving techniques. Threads, often including silk and sometimes metallic threads, are carefully arranged on a loom. Our skilled weavers then meticulously interlace the warp and weft threads using shuttles to create complex patterns and textures. The weaving process is often slow and labor-intensive, especially for highly decorative brocade Obis, requiring precision and patience to achieve the desired density, pattern integrity, and durability.
Before any piece leaves our workshop, it undergoes a rigorous final inspection. Our master artisans carefully examine every inch of the fabric or Obi for any imperfections in dyeing, weaving, or finishing. They check for color consistency, pattern clarity, texture quality, and overall craftsmanship. Only pieces that meet our exceptionally high standards, reflecting centuries of accumulated skill and dedication, are deemed complete and ready to be shared with the world. This final check ensures that each textile is a true masterpiece.
Step into the vibrant world of Kyoto dyeing with our engaging, hands-on workshops. Offered within the authentic setting of our studio, these sessions provide a unique and memorable opportunity to not only witness but actively participate in the creation of traditional Japanese textiles. Under the patient guidance of our skilled artisans, you will learn foundational techniques and create your own small fabric piece or accessory to take home. It's a perfect activity for individuals seeking a deep cultural immersion, groups looking for a shared creative experience, or visitors to Kyoto wishing to connect with its living artistic heritage in a tangible way.
Learn the elegant art of Katazome, or stencil dyeing. This accessible workshop introduces you to applying simple resist paste through a stencil onto a small piece of fabric, followed by a single dye bath. You'll create a charming item like a coaster, small furoshiki wrapping cloth, or a decorative panel. It's an ideal starting point for beginners, tourists, and individuals interested in a relatively quick yet authentic craft experience. No prior artistic skill is required – just enthusiasm!
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Target Audience: Beginners, tourists, individuals, families (children welcome with adult supervision)
For those with a deeper interest in textile arts or returning visitors, this workshop provides a more in-depth look at the complex Kyo-Yuzen process. It includes a detailed demonstration by a master artisan showcasing intricate techniques like brushwork and shading, followed by a guided hands-on session where participants can try a simpler Yuzen process on a larger item, such as a decorative wall hanging or a larger fabric square. This workshop offers richer technical insight and a more involved creative project.
Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours
Target Audience: Hobbyists, textile learners, art enthusiasts, those seeking a more challenging experience
Spaces are limited to ensure personalized attention. Booking in advance is highly recommended. Please contact us to check availability, inquire about group rates, or discuss scheduling.
Our studio is conveniently located in the heart of Kyoto, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.
Kiyomizu Dye WorksWe recommend visiting by appointment or during scheduled workshop times to ensure a member of our team is available to assist you.
Business Hours: By appointment or during scheduled workshop times. Please contact us to arrange your visit.
Directions: We are located just a short walk from Karasuma Oike Station, served by the Kyoto Subway Tozai Line and Karasuma Line. Take the appropriate exit (consult station map for closest) and walk towards Karasuma-dori. Our building is easily identifiable.
Map centered on Kyoto, Japan.
We are delighted to hear from you! Whether you have a specific project in mind, wish to inquire about a custom piece, need textile restoration services, want to join a workshop, or simply have a general question about our craft, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Our team is passionate about traditional Japanese dyeing and weaving and is here to assist you.
Phone: (075) 221-5678
Email: ">info@
We strive to respond to all inquiries promptly, typically within 1-2 business days. If your matter is urgent, please consider calling during our potential business hours (Japan Standard Time).
"Entrusting my grandmother's vintage Uchikake kimono to Kiyomizu Dye Works for restoration was the best decision. The fabric was fragile and discolored, but their artisans brought it back to life with incredible care and precision. It looks almost as beautiful as it did decades ago, and I can now cherish this family heirloom properly. The attention to detail was simply breathtaking."
- Sakura Tanaka, Kyoto
"Participating in the Katazome workshop was an absolute highlight of my trip to Kyoto. The instructors were so knowledgeable and patient, guiding me through every step. I never thought I could create something so beautiful. It was a truly immersive cultural experience, far beyond just visiting a museum. I left with a piece I made myself and a deeper appreciation for this craft."
- Kenji Saito, Tokyo
"Kiyomizu Dye Works created a custom Kyo-Yuzen fabric for a special project I was working on. The complexity of the design and the richness of the colors they achieved were far beyond my expectations. They truly understood my vision and translated it into a textile masterpiece. The collaboration process was smooth and inspiring. Their mastery of Yuzen is simply unparalleled."
- Haruka Nakamura, Osaka
"I purchased several pieces of their dyed fabric for my small design studio. The quality and the depth of color are unlike anything I can find elsewhere. These are not just fabrics; they are canvases that tell a story. Working with materials of this caliber elevates my own creations. The team was also very helpful in showing me their selection."
- Takeshi Sato, Kobe
"The Obi woven by Kiyomizu Dye Works to match my existing kimono is simply perfect. The pattern integration and the quality of the weave are exquisite. It feels substantial and luxurious. Finding artisans who still perform this level of traditional weaving is rare, and I feel incredibly fortunate to own a piece of their work. It completes the kimono ensemble beautifully."
- Yumi Suzuki, Yokohama
Master Kyo-Yuzen Dyer
With over 40 years dedicated to Kyo-Yuzen, Kenji-san is a true master, specializing in landscape and floral motifs. His nuanced color blending techniques are renowned.
Senior Obi Weaver
Akari-san has spent two decades on the loom, crafting intricate Obi patterns. She is particularly skilled in complex brocade and Tsuzureç¹” techniques.
Textile Restoration Specialist
Hiroshi-san's meticulous approach to restoring vintage textiles has saved countless heirlooms. He possesses deep knowledge of historical dyes and fabrics.
Workshop Instructor & Kyo-Komon Artist
Mei-san shares her passion for dyeing in our workshops and specializes in the delicate art of Kyo-Komon, creating fine, repetitive patterns.