"Neo-Sea-Sir (Ryukyu Indigo Dye)"
Sculptor: Kunio Kamiyama
Origin: Okinawa
Size: W11.5cm×D12.5cm×H14cm
Weight: 2779g
Materials: Ryukyu limestone, Ryukyu indigo, turquoise, tiger's eye, vintage banana fiber cloth, charcoal, etc.
-Creator-
Kunio Kamiyama
Born in Kityuna, Ginowan City, Okinawa Prefecture
Sanno University, Faculty of Information Management, Department of Contemporary Management, Psychology Major
Raised in Kityuna, Ginowan City, home to a cluster of Shisa statues designated as city historic sites, since birth.
Majored in psychology at university, captivated and influenced by the unconscious world of Freud and Jung.
Continues to create works by infusing and expanding them through the unconscious filter of the self, which everyone inherently possesses.
Currently active primarily in sculpting Shisa from Ryukyu limestone.
Main Career Highlights
October 2024: Solo exhibition at Kityuna Community Center, Ginowan City, Okinawa
January 2025: Solo exhibition at Naha Citizens' Gallery, Okinawa Prefecture
June 2025: Exhibition in Brooklyn, New York
July 2025: Participated in Shisa exhibition at SOUTH BRIDGE, Tsuboya, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
RYUKYU INDIGO (Ryukyu Indigo Dye)
Ryukyu indigo, cultivated in Okinawa since ancient times and used as a dye for indigo dyeing, is an indispensable dye for Okinawan textiles. Its cultivation method is arduous, requiring thorough cultivation management, technique, and strong physical and mental endurance to withstand the heavy labor of the indigo production process to grow high-quality indigo leaves. Furthermore, determining the fermentation state and the amount of lime water to be used during the manufacturing process requires many years of experience and dedicated training.
By carefully repeating the process of dyeing and washing each piece by hand using indigo produced by traditional methods, a unique texture and depth with a different character in each piece can be achieved, which cannot be expressed with chemical dyes. Ryukyu indigo can be said to be a cultural color with a depth like the beautiful Okinawan sea. However, with the spread of inexpensive synthetic indigo over time, fewer people are now engaged in the time-consuming work of indigo dyeing.
For more details on RYUKYU INDIGO, please see below:
About RYUKYU INDIGO
・As natural Ryukyu limestone is hand-dyed, there may be individual differences. Please enjoy the uneven color transitions as part of the natural dye's texture. The unique unevenness is the greatest feature that cannot be expressed with chemical dyes.
・As a cautionary note for indigo-dyed products, color transfer may occur due to water exposure or friction.
・Please store in a place away from direct sunlight as it is prone to fading.
*This product is also sold in stores, so it may already be sold out when you place your order.
Thank you for your understanding.