Indigo seeds are sowed in the spring. In the middle of July, the leaves are reaped and dried for one or two days.
Then they are stored in a storehouse for the first ten days of September. And they are soaked with water. As a result, the leaves of indigo are fermented. This is called “Sukumo”.
Then they are stored in a storehouse for the first ten days of September. And they are soaked with water. As a result, the leaves of indigo are fermented. This is called “Sukumo”.
Next, they put the Sukumo in a jar, and add water and top they put a layer of charcoal, and stir a few times everyday.
After a few days, the indigo liquid soaks out. It takes about ten months to make good indigo dye.
After a few days, the indigo liquid soaks out. It takes about ten months to make good indigo dye.
Kinds of Indigo
Japanese Indigo
In Japan, the indigo is Tade indigo of the Tade family. The flowers of this type are red and white. In Okinawa, they use Ryukyu indigo of the Kitsunenomago family. These are perennial plants.
In Japan, the indigo is Tade indigo of the Tade family. The flowers of this type are red and white. In Okinawa, they use Ryukyu indigo of the Kitsunenomago family. These are perennial plants.
Indian Indigo
India was the main source of indigo from antiquity to the 19th century.
India indigo is the Mame family of Komatsunagi genus. They are perennial plants.
Chinese Indigo
In China, the kinds of indigo are Ryukyu indigo, India indigo, Tade indigo and Suzuna indigo.
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