Kyo-yuzen syal / biru

This exquisite scarf showcases the traditional art of Kyo Yuzen, meticulously hand-painted by skilled artisans. It features auspicious traditional Japanese patterns, making it a perfect gift. Each piece is a unique blend of culture and craftsmanship, ideal for those who appreciate the beauty of heritage designs.

Width : 30cm
Height : 180cm
Weight : 50g

Silk

OKAYAMA KOGEI

Infusing New Sensibilities into Kyo-yuzen

While leveraging the tradition of hand-painted Yuzen, we also utilize modern colors and designs to create beautiful products that match contemporary tastes, extending beyond traditional kimonos to include accessories such as scarves. We encourage you to experience the excellence of hand-painted Yuzen for yourself.

ARTISAN STORY

Okayama Kyo-yuzen Studio
Okayama Kyo-yuzen Studio is home to the first female traditional craftsman in Japan to specialize in hand-painted Yuzen, who is also the first female Yuzen master. She has been awarded the prestigious title of "Kyoto Prefecture Traditional Industry Excellent Technician - Master Craftsman of Kyoto." Along with her, our workshop boasts three traditional craftsmen who are specialists in hand-painted Yuzen. Our workshop attracts those who aspire to be the traditional craftsmen of tomorrow, inspired by the skills of these experts.

KYO YUZEN / KYOTO SILK DYEING

About 340 years ago / 1680s / Edo Period (1603–1868)

Kyo Yuzen took a decisive form in Kyoto’s Genroku era, when designs by the celebrated fan painter Miyazaki Yuzensai were applied to kimono. Fine paste-resist lines allowed many colors to be painted next to one another like a picture, establishing hand-painted Yuzen. In the Meiji period, stencil-based Yuzen greatly expanded production.

In Japan, Kyo Yuzen represents formal celebratory kimono worn for coming-of-age ceremonies, weddings and other important occasions. Brilliant dyeing may be combined with gold and embroidery, while the same techniques now appear on bags, scarves and interiors.

A single kimono can pass through more than twenty stages—design, underdrawing, resist application, coloring, steaming, washing, gold decoration and more. Different specialists often handle each stage, making Kyo Yuzen less the product of one maker than a collaborative artwork created by Kyoto’s craft network.

Individual Differences

As each piece is individually handcrafted, slight variations in color, pattern, shape, and texture may occur. These subtle differences are a natural characteristic of handcrafted works, making each piece truly unique. We hope you will enjoy these individual variations as part of the beauty and character of Japanese craftsmanship.

Production Time

If an item is not currently in stock, it may be made to order by the artisan. As each piece is carefully handcrafted, production may take several months depending on the item and the artisan's schedule. We appreciate your patience and understanding.