Lacquer-Dyed Dabo Shirt

Packed with features for all-day comfort

The fabric is a lightweight, crisp linen-cotton blend that feels cool and dries quickly, perfect for playing with kids. The design is carefully crafted for comfort, with the front and back seams placed slightly behind the shoulder line to avoid any irritation.

Wearing the Colors of the Land – Iwate Lacquer Dye

Iwate Prefecture is one of Japan’s main sources of lacquer, where traditional lacquer techniques have been essential in preserving Japanese culture, from the creation of lacquerware to the restoration of Buddhist statues and important cultural artifacts. Generally, "lacquer" refers to the sap harvested from lacquer trees. Skilled artisans, known as lacquer tappers, collect sap from hundreds of trees each year, visiting each tree one by one. After the sap has been fully extracted, the tree reaches the end of its life and is cut down, allowing for new growth.

Until recently, this felled lacquer wood was rarely repurposed. In an effort to support the continuation of the local lacquer industry and make the most of this precious mountain resource, Kyoya Dye Works has initiated efforts to repurpose the wood itself for dyeing, honoring the natural materials of the region.

Using the blessings of nature without waste, and wearing the natural colors of the land, brings us closer to its spirit, allowing us to live with gratitude. At Kyoya Dye Works, we carefully dye each piece with the natural tones of Iwate’s lacquer wood, embracing the material with respect and patience.

• Please note: Due to the use of natural plant dyes, color may vary slightly with each product.
• Pigment is extracted from the wood of lacquer trees, not from the sap, so there is no risk of skin irritation.

Due to the hand-dyeing process, each piece may vary slightly in color. Thank you for your understanding.

A cotton-linen blend with a natural texture

At Kyoya Dye Works, we primarily use unbleached ("kinari") fabric for our clothing. This natural fabric, with its earthy texture, perfectly reflects our philosophy of creating products that connect people with nature. The process involves fewer chemicals, reducing environmental impact.

However, small plant fibers may remain in the fabric, potentially causing slight color unevenness or fading during dyeing. While we remove any major imperfections during inspection, please note that subtle variations are part of the fabric’s unique charm. Thank you for your understanding.