Cloth for kimono with komon using stencil paper cut in tsukibori technique and dyed from both sides. “Kawara renji”

Living National Treasure Yasumasa Komiya

The techniques for Edo Komon developed during the Edo period in order to dye hakama (skirtlike trousers) for the samurai and kimonos for the townspeople. The word "Edo Komon" did not exist from the beginning. It was named "Edo Komon" when my grandfather Kosuke Komiya was designated as Important Intangible Cultural Property to differentiate it from other types of komon. I aim to dye Edo Komon, dyed in a single color, in a color with translucency like a gem; a clear and bright color that doesn't lose its brilliance for many years. While succeeding the techniques from the Edo period, I have made improvements in my textiles to make Edo Komon match our modern lifestyle.