What is it about indigo textiles that bring up so many sensations? The depth of blue, new or faded; the stiffness of the fibers from repeated dips in the dye vat; the fuzzy nap of fabric from years of use; all of these add to indigo’s allure. Folks say that indigo makes the fabric stronger and avoid bugs, and that helps to heal wounds.

It’s alchemical, magical, practical, and deeply, vividly, a part of our human experience whether we are aware of it in our modern world or not. 

Read more about traditional indigo dying in Kyoto in this blog entry.