Takeshi Nakajima

Textile dyer

©Yuya Hoshino

©Takeshi Nakajima

©Akari Kuramoto

Blurring the lines

Takeshi is devoted to traditional hand dyeing techniques
He has studied in New York
His kimonos and interior goods convey a playful aesthetic

Takeshi Nakajima is a Kyoto-based craftsman specialising in "hikizome", the long-established technique of textile dyeing, which involves brushing dye onto tightly stretched fabric while it is still wet. This technique is heavily associated with the dyeing of traditional kimono and casual cotton "yukata" kimono. After years of experimentation, he gradually discovered his unique style, incorporating the imperfect beauty created by human hands and nature into his work. For this reason, colour bleeding, unevenness, and brush strokes, usually hidden in traditional styles, are often visible in his original textile designs. In his own words, “the weather, temperature and humidity add a natural effect to the cloth, making it all the more beautiful and never quite the same.”

Interview

©Akari Kuramoto

©Yuya Hoshino

Is your craft linked to the region where you work?: Textile dyeing has flourished in Kyoto for centuries. Workshops specialising in various stages of the dyeing process abound, which along with the water quality, makes the city an ideal place to work. It is also exciting to be able to collaborate with experienced craftsmen.
What sets you apart from other artisans in your field?: I have a deep appreciation for both man-made beauty and the beauty existing in nature. I incorporate “imperfections” such as colour bleeding and unevenness as expressive elements in my work. My unconventional path to textile dyeing helps me create without being constrained by stereotypes.
Describe a memorable moment from your professional life?: For three years, I lived alone in a small room and would stretch fabric between the knob on the front door and the balcony railing so that I could practice dyeing. I could not even close the windows in winter and slept underneath the fabric as it dried.
What is your advice to young people who want to become craftsmen?: I can only speak for myself, as someone who did not set out to become an artisan. Regardless of when you start in life, you will not progress without passion and dedication. It is also necessary to seek out different experiences, as it will lead to individuality in your creations.

Takeshi Nakajima is a master artisan: he began his career in 2012 and he started teaching in 2018