ARTISAN FEATURE | BUAISOU
Master Indigo Dyeing From Japan
At SingleThread we are proud to have the opportunity to work with many highly skilled artisans around the world who embody a shared commitment to craftsmanship and preserving tradition.
Katina and Ayuchi-san, SingleThread's Creative Director, have a shared love of indigo-dyeing and were thrilled to discover BUAISOU in 2017. BUAISOU, was established in Kamiita-cho, Tokushima Prefecture of Japan in 2015, to "thrive in the hometown of indigo dye."
What makes BUAISOU unique is that all processes, which were traditionally divided into separate specializations, are carried out within BUAISOU itself; from cultivating the raw indigo, fermenting the indigo leaves (Sukumo), dyeing, designing, through to production.
Recently, we had the opportunity to collaborate with BUAISOU on two custom tapestries, created for the opening of SingleThread's Farm Store.
To learn more about BUAISOU, visit their website and explore their online international shop.
SINGLETHREAD FARM STORE TAPESTRY
The tapestry's design is based on the DNA sequence of vegetables, which is also used throughout the restaurant's interior design and is representative of SingleThread's agricultural roots. This tapestry is inspired by the gene sequence of the Shimonita green onions, which are grown year round on the farm.
BUAISOU's hand dyeing technique allowed us to create a striking ombre pattern which beautifully captures the Shimonita's DNA sequence.
SingleThread has been thrilled to collaborate with BUAISOU on special projects over the years. In 2018 we had the pleasure of hosting BUAISOU's founders at SingleThread for an indigo-dyeing workshop in partnership with Sonoma Cultural Exchange.
Chef Kyle Connaughton with one of BUAISOU's founders, Kakuo Kaji-san. Kaji-san is originally from Aomori prefecture where he studied textiles. He relocated to Tokushima prefecture to launch BUAISOU at a time when the Japanese government activated a program to support relocating the workforce to regenerate aging communities in 2012.
