A Dream in Color: The Yume-Kôrozome Dyeing Experience at Yusai-tei
Discover the Art, History, and Magic of Transformative Dyeing in Kyoto
- Yusai-tei – The Studio of Color and Creativity
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Nestled along the scenic banks of the Katsura River, with views of the ever-changing seasonal beauty of Arashiyama, lies Yusai-tei, the studio of renowned dyeing artist Yusai Okuda. Once a traditional inn, this charming space has been reimagined by Yusai into a haven of creativity and seasonal delight. The studio is filled with playful and intricate decorations that change with the seasons, reflecting the artist’s deep connection to nature and his meticulous attention to detail.
Visitors to Yusai-tei are welcomed into a world where traditional craftspersonship meets modern innovation, surrounded by the vibrant and inspiring works of the artist.
- The Transformative Yume-Kôrozome Dyeing Experience
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At Yusai-tei, guests are invited to participate in a hands-on dyeing experience using the groundbreaking Yume-Kôrozome technique, a method developed exclusively by Yusai. This method, inspired by ancient imperial garments, allows fabrics to change color under sunlight, creating an ever-shifting spectrum of hues.
Scarf Dyeing: Create your own masterpiece on a 100% silk scarf (45cm x 180cm) using the Yume-Kôrozome method. Watch as your design transforms under the light, bringing a sense of wonder to every step you take. Jeans Dyeing: Bring your own white jeans to be dyed using standard techniques. (Note: This experience will not follow the Yume-Kôrozome method) This customizable experience allows you to infuse your personal wardrobe with a touch of Kyoto’s artistry.
As you work, you’ll be guided by the artist and studio staff, ensuring your piece becomes a unique and personal expression of creativity. This immersive experience not only allows you to learn a centuries-old technique but also to create a one-of-a-kind item that carries the spirit of Kyoto.
- The History and Legacy of Yume-Kôrozome
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Yume-Kôrozome was born from Yusai Okuda’s extensive research into Kôrozen, the ceremonial attire worn exclusively by Japanese emperors for over 1,200 years. By blending traditional methods with a modern sensibility, Yusai has revived this ancient technique and infused it with a contemporary palette, creating a dyeing method unlike any other in the world.
The hallmark of Yume-Kôrozome lies in its ability to shift colors under sunlight, revealing new shades and gradients as the light changes. This dynamic interaction between nature and technique creates a dreamlike quality, embodying the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi — the beauty of imperfection and transience.
Using Kyoto’s pristine water and climate, combined with Yusai’s extraordinary sense of color, the technique produces delicate blurring effects and vibrant yet subtle hues. It is a reflection of both the traditional craftspersonship of Japan and the innovative spirit of its modern artisans.
At Yusai-tei, this legacy is carried forward through the philosophy of "Dyeing the Senses," sharing the beauty of Japan’s culture and artistry with the world.
- Yume-kôrozome
- Yusai Okuda
- Yusai, a dyeing artist, has not only inherited and pursued traditional Japanese dyeing techniquesbut also endeavored to innovate and arrange their expressions to be enjoyed by contemporary people.