Make your own bingata placemat during the hands-on workshop led by Ueda Miki, a dyer from Chinen Bingata Laboratory and Odo Azusa of Ryukyu Bingata Preservation and Expansion Consortium based in Okinawa Prefecture.
Bingata is a resist dyeing technique which originated in the Ryūkyū Kingdom (present day Okinawa). The design of bingata textiles draws inspiration from the stunning natural beauty of the subtropical Ryūkyū archipelago. Its turquoise seas and diverse fauna and flora are represented on these vibrantly coloured and meticulously crafted textiles.
During each small-group workshop, participants engage in 3 stages of the bingata dyeing process: applying the pigments, rubbing them into the fabric and shading. All procedures are performed using original tools and pigments under the expert guidance of the instructors. The finishing process (steaming, washing and drying) has to be completed by the participants at home and instructions will be handed out during the workshop.
During the 90-minutes session guests create a placemat. The workshop starts with an introduction of history of bingata and explanation of the dyeing technique.
About the instructors
Ueda Miki
Born in Naha, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture, Ueda joined Chinen Bingata Laboratory in 2018. The Chinen family was one of the main families specializing and excelling at creating bingata textiles during the time of the Ryūkyū Kingdom. The family also played an important role in reviving the craft after World War II. Ueda studied bingata dyeing techniques under Chinen Toma, the 10th-generation craftsperson of the Shimogiho Chinen family.
Currently, she not only creates textiles, but also teaches online courses and conducts workshops to promote bingata.
Odo Azusa
Born in Naha, Okinawa, Odo Azusa has been involved in the management of the Ryukyu Bingata Preservation and Expansion Consortium. Her responsibilities include utilizing intellectual property of bingata designs, collaborating with craftsmen, and the popularization of the craft through design competitions.
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