[Kyoto Indigo Dyeing Master: Riku Matsuzaki] A Challenge to History

Today, I would like to talk a little more in depth about indigo dyeing.

The history of indigo dyeing is so old that there are even stories of indigo-dyed fabrics being found in ruins of ancient Egypt.

Indigo dyeing has been cultivated all over the world, including Asia, India, and Europe.

In fact, indigo has properties such as insect repellent, deodorizing, and antibacterial properties.

It is thanks to the properties of indigo that fabrics dyed long ago remain intact even after the passage of time.

As the name suggests, indigo dyeing is done using a plant called "indigo."

To go into a bit more detail, Matsuzaki Riku, a Kyoto indigo dyer we spoke to this time, uses a technique from about 700 years ago, dissolving sukumo, a product made by fermenting indigo, in a container called an aigame, and dyes cloth with the help of the power of microorganisms.

Because we rely on the work of living creatures, the color tone changes from day to day and things don't always go as planned.

Perhaps the depth of indigo lies in the process of dyeing while accepting this uncertainty.

Matsuzaki aims to revive and reinvigorate the "Kyoai" dyeing method that once existed in Kyoto.

He appears to be more than just a craftsman; he is a researcher and a seeker of truth.

He has noticed that the 1,300-year-old indigo-dyed strings left behind in the Shosoin Repository in Nara have not decayed to this day, and he continues to take on the challenge with the belief that by unraveling history, he may be able to create indigo dyeing that will be passed down into the future.

Indigo dyeing has been passed down through a long history.

However, at the same time, many technologies have been lost over time.

Matsuzaki quietly explains:

"With current technology, I don't think we can create indigo dye that will last a thousand years. My rivals are the great artisans of 1,300 years ago. If we can unravel history and recreate the old methods, I'm sure we can create indigo dye that will last a thousand years."

There is a saying, "It is an honor to enter the industry."

This phrase, which means that a disciple surpasses his master, comes from Xunzi's saying, "Blue comes from indigo, yet is bluer than indigo."

There are no more appropriate words for Matsuzaki, who learns from his predecessors and strives to surpass them.

There is someone in the same Kyoto, in the same era, who continues to take on such challenges.

Just being aware of this fact makes me feel like my heart is on fire.