Kurikoma Sho Aizome is one of Japan’s oldest dyeing techniques, a form of true indigo dyeing. It involves cultivating indigo, fermenting it naturally, and then dyeing—classified as a type of plant dyeing originally introduced from China but established in Japan during the Heian period. Sho Aizome encompasses the entire process, including hemp cultivation, indigo sowing, yarn making, weaving, and dyeing. Unlike ordinary indigo dyeing, which maintains the indigo vat warm throughout the year, Kurikoma Sho Aizome uses no artificial heating. Instead, large vats of indigo are left to ferment naturally, relying on the rise in temperature from May onward. This method was preserved and practiced by Ms. Ayano Chiba of Kurikoma, who was designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1955. At that time, the technique was called “Reisen” (cold dyeing), but in 1966 the designation was officially renamed “Sho Aizome.”

Photo courtesy of Kurihara Regional Office, Northern Miyagi Promotion Bureau