"Neo-Sea-Sir (Ryukyu Indigo Dye)"
Sculptor : Kunio Kamiyama
Origin: Okinawa
Size: W15cm x D16cm x H19cm
Weight: 5719 g
Materials: Ryukyu limestone, minerals, shells, rebar, etc.
-Maker-
Kunio Kamiyama
Born in Kiyuna, Ginowan City, Okinawa Prefecture
Sanno University Faculty of Information Management Department of Modern Management Psychology major
He was born and raised in Kiyuna, where the group of stone lions is located, a city-designated historic site in Ginowan City.
He majored in psychology at university and was fascinated and influenced by the unconscious world of Freud and Jung.
He continues to create works by infusing and expanding them through the unconscious filter that exists within everyone.
Currently, he is mainly active in carving Shisa (lion statues) out of Ryukyu limestone.
Main career
October 2024 Solo exhibition at Kiyuna Community Center, Ginowan City, Okinawa
January 2025 Solo exhibition at Naha Civic Gallery, Okinawa
June 2025 Exhibition in Brooklyn, New York
July 2025 Participated in the Shisa exhibition at Tsuboya South Bridge in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
RYUKYU INDIGO ( Ryukyu indigo dyeing )
Ryukyu indigo, which has been cultivated in Okinawa since ancient times and used as a dye for indigo dyeing, is an essential dye for Okinawan dyeing and weaving. The cultivation method is harsh, and in order to grow high-quality indigo leaves, thorough cultivation management and techniques are required, as well as strong physical and mental strength to withstand the hard work in the indigo production process. In addition, many years of experience and hard work are required to determine the fermentation state and the amount of limewater to use during the production stage.
Each piece is dyed by hand using indigo dyes created using traditional methods, and then carefully washed repeatedly, resulting in a unique texture and a unique depth of expression that cannot be achieved with chemical dyes. Ryukyu indigo can be said to be a cultural color with the depth of Okinawa's beautiful ocean. However, with the spread of inexpensive synthetic indigo over time, fewer people are engaged in the time-consuming work of dyeing indigo.
For more information on RYUKYU INDIGO , please see below.
About RYUKYU INDIGO
・Since natural Ryukyu limestone is hand-dyed, there will be individual differences. Please enjoy the uneven color transitions that are the texture of natural dyeing. The unique unevenness is the greatest feature that cannot be achieved with chemical dyes.
- Please note that indigo dyed products may transfer color if exposed to water or rubbed.
-It is susceptible to sunburn, so please store it in a place away from sunlight.
*This product is also available in stores, so it may already be sold out by the time you place your order.
Please be aware of this.