Photography: Yoko Taguchi

Okinawa's indigo is deep and crystal clear. Its color never ceases to fascinate us. Dyeing and weaving artist Shimura Fukumi was also deeply fascinated by its beauty and visited Okinawa many times. Muneyoshi Yanagi, a leader of the Mingei movement, once praised Okinawa's indigo as "the color of the world," writing:

"Navy blue indigo is the king of colors. No matter how dark or light it is dyed, it has never been a bad color. It is resistant to light and rubbing, and the more it is washed, the more beautiful it becomes. It is no wonder that everyone loves and adores this color. There is no other color as beautiful and rich as this. It must be praised as the number one color in the Orient. In fact, the day will come when it will be called the color of the world."

--From "The Story of Bashofu" by Yanagi Muneyoshi

In order to pass on this "color of the world" to the present day, there are artisans in each region who are sincerely working with indigo. This special exhibition will feature an exhibition and sales event, welcoming the Ryukyu Indigo Research Institute, which handles everything from cultivation to dyeing of Ryukyu indigo on the main island of Okinawa, the Shima Ai Farm on Ishigaki Island, which pursues the potential of Yaeyama indigo, and the Kumejima Tsumugi makers, who continue to preserve the handicrafts handed down since ancient times on Kumejima.

The powerful yet gentle indigo color is imbued with the blessings of the land and the prayers of the people. Please come and see the wonderful handiwork born from the Okinawan climate.

Atelier Shimura Representative Masashi Shimura

Atelier Shimura Special Exhibition "Colors of Summer - Shimura Indigo and Ryukyu Indigo"
Late period: "Ryukyu Indigo and Yaeyama Indigo"

The exhibition will be themed around "Ryukyu Indigo and Yaeyama Indigo," and will feature distinctive works and products (kimonos, obi, accessories, clothing, etc.) from each brand, on display and for sale. We will also introduce the background of each brand, as well as the dyes and manufacturing methods.

◼︎Ryukyu Indigo Research Institute (Okinawa main island)
Based on the main island of Okinawa, with a strong sense of mission to "pass on culture," we handle the entire process from cultivating the fields and growing Ryukyu indigo, to creating the dye and finishing the dye. We have named the unique texture and depth of color that cannot be achieved with chemical dyes "RYUKYU BLUE®" and are exploring its possibilities. Based on the belief that "now is the time for us to do this," we have returned to our roots of growing the raw materials and are paving the way for the future of Ryukyu indigo, a tradition of Okinawa.

◼︎Island Indigo Farm (Ishigaki Island)
Further south from the main island of Okinawa, in the lush natural surroundings of Ishigaki Island, Shimaai Farm's manufacturing process begins with growing the indigo plant Nanbankomatsunagi, a member of the legume family. In the summer, they are busy harvesting and producing indigo, and while experiencing the joys and sorrows of typhoons, they work together with nature to produce dye. Using the precious indigo they have accumulated, they dye all year round. The island's light and breeze, combined with the careful handiwork of the artisans, create the vibrant yet gentle indigo color of the southern island.

Photography: Nanae Itokazu

◼︎Kumejima Tsumugi Business Cooperative Association (Kumejima)
Kumejima has a history of over 500 years and is known as the birthplace of Japanese tsumugi silk. This tradition has been passed down to the present day through a consistent manual process: raising silkworms to spin the thread, dyeing it with the island's abundant vegetation and mud, and weaving each thread by hand. This technique, designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan, is the origin of Japan's kasuri culture. Kumejima tsumugi silk, imbued with the passion of its makers, has a supple texture and elegance, gently enveloping the wearer.

Date and time: Now held ~ August 26th (Tue) 12:00-17:30 Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays First period: Now held ~ 29th (Tue) Shimura's Indigo Second period: August 1st (Fri) ~ 26th (Tue) Ryukyu Indigo and Yaeyama Indigo Venue: Atelier Shimura Gallery & School Tokyo Setagaya 6-17-7 Soshigaya, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Exhibition and sale items: Kimono, stoles, clothing, small items, etc. For inquiries, please call: 03-6411-1215 or email: info@ateliershimura.co.jp

*We will be giving away indigo seeds to everyone who follows Atelier Shimura's Instagram account.

Learn more

Special exhibition related events

◼︎Special Online Talk: In celebration of the second half of the special exhibition, "Ryukyu Indigo and Yaeyama Indigo," we will be streaming a deep talk on YouTube with Atelier Shimura's representative, Masashi Shimura, the Ryukyu Indigo Research Institute, Shimaai Farm, and Kumejima Tsumugi. Please take a look.
The talks will be updated from time to time.

Special online talk here

◼︎First half of August: Indigo leaf dyeing workshop

In the first half of August, we will be holding a workshop on dyeing fresh indigo leaves. This time, we will tear off fresh indigo leaves, which are in full bloom in the summer, and rub them to dye them into a refreshing light blue. Please enjoy the colors of summer, which can only be enjoyed at this time of year, along with the special exhibition.

Click here for details on the half-day dyeing course

Click here for details on the one-day dyeing and weaving course