片山昭
あきら かたやま
Noren dyeing
A dyeing technique for applying names, characters, crests, and symbols to noren curtains, flags, banners, pennants, branded happi coats, furoshiki wrapping cloths, and similar items.It is also used to dye cotton, hemp, silk, and other fabrics.
The noren dyeing tradition passed down within the district involves performing all steps from stencil carving to dyeing in-house.
About the Craftsman
The Shioiri district has been home to three generations of a family business specializing in noren dyeing.The third generation follows in the footsteps of his grandfather, Haruo (deceased, former holder of the Ward Registered Intangible Cultural Property), and his father, Kazuo (deceased, former holder of the Ara Ward Designated Intangible Cultural Property). Haruo initially trained under a stencil carver.
Mr. Katayama also trained at a kimono dyeing and weaving factory. He inherited the complete technique, from carving the stencil to the dyeing process, and handles dyeing for restaurant noren curtains, tenugui towels, T-shirts, and more. He uses durable synthetic dyes, a key feature being that the colors won’t fade even if the fabric tears.
Achievements
- Production of sunshade curtains for the Arakawa Traditional Crafts Gallery
- Through the Arakawa Craftsman Development Project, we are dedicated to cultivating successors.
Contact us
- Location: 8-5-7-116 Minami-Senju, Arakawa Ward, Tokyo Katayama Noren Dyeing Workshop
- Hours: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Closed Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)
- Phone/Fax: 03-3801-4523
- Homepage: https://www.katayamanoren.com/
