Tie-dye a Cotton Stole with Traditional Methods at a Kyoto Kimono Accessory Maker with Over a Century in the Business

The Future of a Century of Tie-dye Legacy

In 2023, Ando celebrated its 100th anniversary. Built on kyo kanoko shibori, a traditional technique of tying cloth with thread and dyeing it, the shop crafts and sells a wide range of traditional Japanese accessories, such as obi sash clips, hair ornaments, han-eri inner kimono collar liners, bags, and zori sandals. They’ve also produced lines in collaboration with bag brands and kimono designers, who highly value their technical expertise.

Ando’s wall display of cloth bolts is an impressive piece of decor that also showcases skill and passion – the shop sells whole cloth as well

Kyoto’s Yanagi no Bamba Street in the Gojo area has long been an area where dyers and traditional shibori artisans gather for business. However, with kimonos dwindling as a piece of common everyday wear, this is a tradition facing the threat of skill extinction. So it was that Ando opened its experience-focused concept shop on the first floor of its headquarters here in order to teach those techniques and share this ancient culture through everyday items.

A shop space blending history and contemporary sophistication, where traditional techniques are incorporated into everyday items

The Joy of Creation in a Workshop Concept Space

At Ando’s experience-focused concept shop, visitors can go beyond seeing and touching the brand’s product to creating their own in workshops at the attached tie-dye lab. Start by perusing the samples and store displays to get some basic ideas.

The rare chance to talk directly with artisans at a storied brand still prioritizing traditional craft technique

When you have visualized what you are aiming for, it’s time to experience dyeing for yourself. An artisan handles the intricate process of shibori – tying with thread – before handing off the cotton to you. During the experience, a professional also teaches you all about the tradition and techniques of kyo kanoko shibori, long used in production of luxury Japanese apparel. 

Peruse the displays to find your inspiration

Traditional Tie-dyeing with Guidance from a Skilled Artisan

Experience traditional craft techniques with the support of certified professional artisans and other skilled staff as you dye. Mix your color chosen from the roughly 20 available before pouring it onto dip-moistened and wrung cotton. Use techniques like kake-zome (“pour dyeing”) or supoito-zome (“dropper dyeing”) to apply dye uniformly to the entire stole or to apply it in an uneven and varied pattern, respectively.

Supoito-zome (“dropper dyeing”) used to create uneven and varied patterning with fine detail

With dye applied, the fabric is heated to 60 degrees celsius to set. When the dye has had time to take, the cloth is thoroughly rinsed and then washed in hot water with a soaping agent to clear the excess dye. This process, done entirely by hand, ensures that no two pieces look exactly alike – meaning the stole you take home with you is the only one of its kind on earth.

Observe the post-dye rinsing and washing process

Discover the Endless Possibilities of Shibori-zome Tie-dyeing

While your dyed cotton stole dries, take a moment to peruse the shop some more. Though it is a shop, Ando does more than simply sell products, putting great effort also into disseminating advanced technique. Take it all in, and let pieces like the magnificent wall display just opposite the entrance – with its natural incorporation of the unique shape of the fabric – surprise and move you.

The workshop’s design motif evokes a silkworm’s cocoon

The workshop space features a design motif inspired by the cocoon of the silkworm in its table and ceiling decor. Books on shibori and dye culture are also on hand for you to flip through with a cup of coffee or tea while waiting for your piece to dry. You can also take a close look at Ando’s flagship “Shibori Bag” series in person, which takes advantage of the unique three-dimensional texture possible with these traditional techniques.

The “Shibori Bag” series spotlights the unique stretch and shape of the fabric created by shibori technique

Experience Exquisite Serendipity

When your cotton stole has dried, the last step is to remove the shibori threads and unfold it, discovering the serendipitous splendor of the pattern created.

Take your finished stole home with you after the experience

This delightful experience, crafting a uniquely textured cotton stole through traditional shibori-zome tie-dye, is available exclusively to quests of Wabunka. Per the artisans of Ando: “Through creation, we hope visitors can discover the unique and sumptuous beauty of traditional shibori-zome handcrafts.” Come and see for yourself just what this means.

Unique texture and beauty from every angle