Marukyu Store
Traditional Tokyo Chusen dyeing: Yukata and Tenugui
Shin Edo Smoothie Marukyu Shoten
Somehow nostalgic, but still relevant today
The traditional Tokyo Chusen dyeing technique that shines with brilliance
Marukyu Shoten was founded in 1902 in Nihonbashi Horidome-cho as a wholesaler of dyed dyed products. Chusen is known for hand towels and yukata. Hamamatsu and Osaka are the three major production areas in Tokyo. This dyeing technique, which was born in the Meiji period, is used in Japanese performing arts and seasonal festivals as yukata and hand towels, and is still an indispensable technique in people's lives. Throughout its history, Maruhisa Shoten has produced many patterns and designs that add color to the products. We still carry the same yukata and hand towels that are unique to Tokyo Chusen. Reprint designs from a huge number of pattern papers, or create new designs based on ideas. Nowadays, we are making products not only for that purpose but also as a part of the culture called ``Chusen''.
What is Chusen?
Marukyu Shoten primarily produces hand towels, dish towels, and yukata using dyeing methods. Chusen is a unique Japanese pattern dyeing technique that originated in the Meiji period. Glue is applied to the fabric using a pattern paper to create resist-dyed areas that follow the pattern, and dye is poured into the fabric using a kettle to dye the various patterns. Because of this appearance, it came to be called ``chusen''. At the time, it was groundbreaking as a dyeing technique that made mass production possible for the first time, but now it is a dyeing method that retains the charm of handicraft, which is different from the mechanical mass production of print dyeing that is commonly distributed. It is loved as a technique.1. Pattern
The stencils are made by stencil craftsmen, mainly using Japanese paper coated with persimmon tannin. The carved paper is handed over to a gauze craftsman who presses fine mesh-like silk called ``sha'' onto the entire surface of the paper with lacquer. This gauze binding fixes the floating dot patterns and creates a single paper pattern. Nowadays, as the production volume of these materials is decreasing, it has become common to use chemical alternative materials such as synthetic paper for astringent paper and Tetoron for gauze.
2. Type payment
Apply resist dye paste to the fabric using the pattern paper. The process is repeated by adding a pattern, folding the long piece of dough, adding another pattern, and repeating the process. There are 20 to 40 layers. The areas to which the resist dyeing paste is applied cannot be dyed because no dye enters them, so we use this mechanism to dye the pattern.
3. Staining
Pour the dye into the fabric using a medicine can over the fabric that has been folded into a folding screen shape to a specified length. Then, by using a special machine to vacuum the dye from below, the dye is passed from top to bottom of the layered fabric all at once. Since the fabric is then turned inside out and the same process is repeated, the dyed fabric is unique in that it is dyed exactly the same way on both sides.
4. Wash and dry
The dyed fabric is washed with water to remove excess glue and dye. After putting it through a dehydrator, it is dried in the sun on an outdoor rack that is over 10 meters high. The scene is a scene filled with the unique atmosphere of a dyeing factory that has been around for a long time.
5. Finishing touches
If it's a hand towel, cut it to the specified length, fold it, or tie it into a knot. In addition, if it is a yukata, we will finish it according to the customer's request, such as making it into a round cloth or having it tailored, and then we will deliver it to you. As mentioned above, all processes of chusen are carried out by hand by specialized craftsmen. Therefore, even if the finished dyeing looks the same at first glance, each item may have a different expression and texture, and even if the same order is made, there may be differences depending on the time of production. This instability, which can sometimes be a disadvantage, is actually the most endearing aspect of chusen, as it is an element of ``fluctuation'' and ``play''. We hope that you will take a look at our Chusen products at least once. We're sure you'll enjoy it.Chusen dyeing process (Marukyu Shoten website)
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Irohado
〒166-0004
1-17-21-2F Asagaya Minami, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
Business hours: 10:00-18:00
Closed: Wednesdays
This is the second floor of an apartment building in the Pearl shopping district, which stretches about 700 meters from the south exit of JR Asagaya Station to Toei Subway Minami Asagaya Station, two stations away. Akidai is across the street, and Hananomisemadoka is on the first floor. Our store's logo, a sign with a frog wearing a kimono, is a landmark.