Bandana

Using inspiration from vintage bandanas from the pre-industrialization of synthetic indigo at the end of the 19th century, BUAISOU has updated our classic bandana. By changing the thread number, thread quality, and weaving density, we have been able to develop a fabric with double selvedge, a major feature that has not been seen in over a century. Traditional looms that can weave fabrics of this width are extremely rare. Fortunately, one was found in a mill in our hometown of Tokushima. The loom had been out of commission for several decades but has now been given a new life and put back into production. 

1. INDIGO FARMING
"One Year of SUKUMO, Fermented Indigo Dye Making"
The design depicts the annual process from seed to Sukumo, working in the fields, and dyeing in Indigo. The pattern is created by a technique called Bassen (discharge), in which the color is removed after dyeing, and finally, each is hand finished in our studio.

2. TOKUSHIMA
BUAISOU’s Tokushima bandana incorporates elements of our beloved city of Tokushima. Not only is Tokushima the center of Natural Indigo production, but it is also home to the Awa Odori festival and other key attractions that have been worked into the bandana as graphic elements.

3. JEJU ISLAND
This bandana is the second version of the “City Bandana” series, the “Jeju Island” version. Following Tokushima, Kaji had drawn and produced the charm of Jeju Island in Korea as it is. We were guided around the island when we visited Sushi Hoshikai, a sushi restaurant on Jeju Island to make their curtains and coasters. Each design incorporated the impressions we felt and touched there.
Cooperation: Sushi Hoshikai

4. HONG KONG
Following Tokushima and Jeju in the "City Bandana" series, we made Hong Kong, the third in the series. Our exhibition "Absolute Blue: BUAISOU Works with Japanese Natural Indigo," was held at CHAT (Centre for Heritage, Arts and Textile) from October 29, 2022, to February 5, 2023, and we received ideas from the staff of CHAT to draw Hong Kong in BUAISOU's own way.

5. TOOTH
This is the Tooth pattern bandana. The teeth parts are more whitened and bleached compared to our other bandanas.

PRODUCT INFO
Material : 100% Cotton
Size : h55(21.65)×w55(21.65) cm(inch)
SKM(sukumo) : 2024-2025
-Bandana with double selvages 
-Woven for BUAISOU in Tokushima, Japan
-Indigo dyed and sewn by BUAISOU

Designed by Kakuo Kaji/BUAISOU

Note: Produced using the Bassen technique, a process by which indigo is removed to create the image in the fabric.