The Dyeing and Weaving Workshop "Art Uni," Bridging Kyoto's Dyeing Tradition with Global High Fashion Brands

Art Uni stands as a symbol of the fusion between tradition and innovation, captivating designers worldwide with its unique techniques. This small dyeing workshop in Kyoto has been producing numerous pieces for Paris Fashion Week. Art Uni has provided textiles for domestic and international collection brands, and in the Fall/Winter 2022/23 Paris Collection, designer Issey Miyake selected Art Uni’s hand-dyed fabrics for his collection, enthralling audiences globally.
While preserving Japan’s traditional dyeing techniques, Art Uni continuously evolves beyond the conventional notion of "dyeing equals kimono," adapting to contemporary demands.

Craftsman Kiyoshi Nishida’s "Delicate Balance of Tradition and Innovation"

Founded in 1975 as a dyeing subcontractor, Art Uni owes much of its success to Kiyoshi Nishida, a dyeing craftsman with over 50 years of experience.
Mr. Nishida has pursued “what no one else can do” in the world of dyeing, developing his own unique techniques.

One example is "Saiketsu-zome," a method that creates crack patterns by combining mochi rice and activated carbon as paste instead of wax, reduces the negative impact on the environment when washing.
This eco-friendly dyeing technique has garnered high acclaim in the fashion industry, including from major maisons.

Another technique, "Ryu-sai-zome," is a contemporary take on the traditional ink-marbling dyeing technique known as "suminagashi," which originated as an aristocratic pastime in the Heian period. Artisans employ meticulous handwork and honed skills to create vibrant, intricate patterns, firmly establishing Japanese dyeing techniques as an art form.

Mr. Nishida explains, "The question is how consistently you can make a stable 'failure.' When a supposed failure is executed consistently, it becomes a design in itself." This creative process yields results that only handcraft, deeply rooted in tradition, can achieve — outcomes that machines simply cannot replicate.

Through this refined balance of tradition and innovation, Nishida-san continues to produce fresh and compelling works. He remains committed to exploring new dyeing techniques suited to the demands of a new era.

High-Quality, Fully Handcrafted Work

All of Art Uni’s dyeing techniques are executed by the hands of skilled artisans.

This meticulous, fully handcrafted approach allows for the adjustment of dye down to 0.01 milligrams, resulting in colors with exceptional depth and unique textures. Techniques like hand-painting and stencil dyeing with silk screens enable intricate, delicate expressions that machines simply cannot replicate, achieving a distinctive, one-of-a-kind quality not found elsewhere.

Japanese Spirituality and Beauty

Art Uni’s dyeing techniques, though simple, are imbued with profound richness, deeply reflecting Japanese spirituality. This beauty, only achievable through handcrafting, embodies the traditional Japanese values unique to this art form. Through dyeing, Art Uni invites people to experience and connect with the spirituality and beauty of Japan. This simplicity and elegance, symbols of Japanese lifestyle, continue to resonate globally, bridging tradition and innovation across cultures.

Art Uni Website: https://www.kyoto-artuni.com