🎎 Okuda Dyeing Studio - Visit to Kaga Yuzen Studio

Kimono is worn on important occasions such as weddings and banquets. In Kanazawa, where tea ceremonies and dance classes are popular, kimono is part of everyday attire. Kanazawa's "Kaga Yuzen," Kyoto's "Kyo Yuzen," and Tokyo's "Edo Yuzen" are collectively known as the "Three Great Yuzen." Compared to Kyoto Yuzen, which has historically pursued luxury and splendor under the influence of court culture, and Edo Yuzen, which favors simple designs rooted in merchant culture, Kaga Yuzen emerged with the rise of samurai culture. Its characteristic features include a base of Kaga five colors and realistic patterns primarily based on plants. At the "Akane-ya ARCHIVE GALLERY" of Okuda Dyeing, which has over a hundred years of experience in producing Kaga Yuzen, the process of Kaga Yuzen is explained in an easy-to-understand manner. This includes the meanings and arrangements of patterns, the technique of creating a base drawing with duckweed and washing it to remove traces, and the artisan technique of "invisible color" that showcases rich colors. There are also experiences such as "hand-painted small cloth napkin Kaga Yuzen experience" guided by Ms. Masako Okuda, as well as stencil dyeing experiences for tote bags and handkerchiefs.

You can visit the process of Kaga Yuzen from the base design, washing, to hand-painting. Hand-painted Yuzen only requires coloring according to the base design, making it possible for beginners to complete. Located near the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kenrokuen Garden, and Kanazawa Castle, you can experience it during your sightseeing breaks in Kanazawa.