Lacquer-Dyed Kappōgi Apron

Kappogi Apron with Natural Plant Dye and Iwate Lacquer Finish

Introducing a new color collection of kappogi aprons from Kyoya Dye Works, crafted with natural plant dyes. This kappogi preserves the timeless charm of the traditional Japanese apron, reimagined to suit modern lifestyles. With a simple yet stylish design, it’s the perfect versatile apron—ideal for daily tasks around the home or as an easy cover-up when stepping out. Kyoya Dye Works' kappogi combines function and elegance, making it a beautifully practical choice for any occasion.

This kappogi features a rich, calm brown color created through urushi-zome, or lacquer dyeing, using Japanese lacquer trees sourced from Iwate, one of Japan’s main lacquer-producing regions. At Kyoya Dye Works, we use wood shavings collected during the milling of lacquer wood, extracting the tree’s natural color through a slow, careful boiling process. The result is a deep, refined shade with a tranquil elegance that reflects the beauty of natural materials and traditional Japanese dyeing techniques.

Wearing the Colors of the Land - Lacquer Wood Dyeing

Iwate Prefecture is one of Japan’s leading sources of lacquer, a material deeply embedded in Japanese tradition. From lacquerware to Buddhist statues and cultural artifacts, lacquer techniques have preserved Japanese heritage for generations.

Typically, "lacquer" refers to the sap harvested from lacquer trees. Skilled artisans, called "urushi-kaki" or lacquer tappers, collect sap from each tree, one by one. Once fully tapped, the tree naturally reaches the end of its life and is cut down to make space for new growth. Historically, these felled trees were seldom repurposed. However, given the value of this precious mountain resource, Kyoya Dye Works is committed to using the wood itself as a sustainable resource to preserve the local lacquer industry for future generations.

By embracing the natural blessings of this land, Kyoya Dye Works celebrates the deep, subtle colors of Iwate’s lacquer trees. We take time to carefully extract the natural pigments from lacquer wood shavings to create kappogi aprons with a rich, earthy hue that connects the wearer to the land.

• Please note: Each piece may vary slightly in color due to the natural plant-based dyes.
• We use pigments extracted from lacquer wood, not sap, so there is no risk of skin irritation.

A Practical Design for Everyday Living

 

This kappogi features mojiri-sode sleeves, a traditional Japanese style known for its ease of movement. This sleeve design has been used in garments worn by artisans for generations, such as traditional hanten jackets. The cuffs are gently elasticated to keep sleeves securely in place, even during tasks involving water, allowing you to move freely without the sleeves slipping down.

This kappogi apron includes generously sized pockets on both sides, large enough to hold a mobile phone.

Each pocket is equipped with a sashiko fabric loop, perfect for hanging a tenugui cloth, making it easy to grab whenever you need it. Whether cooking, cleaning, or doing laundry, this convenient feature keeps your tenugui close at hand for any task.

Natural Fabric Suited to Japan’s Climate

This kappogi is crafted from a lightweight linen-cotton canvas that becomes softer and develops richer tones with use. The natural blend (52% cotton, 48% linen) offers excellent insulation and breathability, making it ideal for Japan’s four-season climate. We’ve chosen a fabric with a slightly higher linen content, providing a cool, comfortable fit even in warmer environments, such as kitchens during summer.