Enchanting Japan Blue
The Coating of Indigo, Its Texture, and Charm
| Indigo is a special pigment created by microorganisms, and the indigo fermentation process brings about the state for indigo dyeing and extraction. As a result, it changes due to factors such as microorganisms, sukumo (indigo leaves), and climate, and you cannot expect the consistent colors or expressions typical of standardized products. On the other hand, this is the charm of indigo, giving rise to a unique and natural texture. You can enjoy the emotional depth and texture that cannot be found in standardized products. |
Indigo Flower |
Awa Indigo: Traditional Japanese Craft
Indigo comes in various types, including Awa indigo made from sukumo (fermented indigo leaves), Ryukyu mud indigo, Indigo blue from India (Indigofera tinctoria), and synthetic indigo. There are also two types of indigo fermentation: natural fermentation using wood ash and hydro-fermentation using chemicals.
Awa indigo from Tokushima uses sukumo, a fermented form of the leaves and stems of the tade plant, which is concentrated into a compost-like form. This traditional method creates the unique indigo color and texture characteristic of Japanese indigo. Unlike other types of indigo, the Awa indigo has a slightly different color, with deep greens and a touch of brown, giving it a depth that cannot be achieved with other types of indigo.
Natio’s Indigo Technology
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Natio’s indigo beads are created using the technique of Awa indigo, starting with the indigo fermentation process, followed by the extraction of indigo pigment, indigo coating, fixation, and coating steps. The process uses Awa indigo balls (sukumo), made through traditional Japanese methods. The indigo is applied to glass seed beads and dyed onto fine wood, utilizing the wood’s grain to bring out the unique characteristics of the material.
The number of dyeing repetitions allows for color gradation, offering a range of colors and shades. These beads can be combined with various parts to create a wide variety of expressive designs. |
Indigo is a living substance, and through the action of microorganisms, the indigo pigment is extracted from the leaves of the tade plant and dissolved into water during the indigo fermentation process Aitate.
- The indigo is extracted in a state that allows it to be applied (coated) onto glass.
- The extracted indigo pigment is applied (coated) onto beads.
- The indigo pigment is then fixed onto the beads without fading, ensuring it stays in place.
These three steps represent the unique method developed by Natio.
Natio’s indigo has undergone the “Dyeing Fastness Test” by the BOKEN Quality Evaluation Organization and has received high ratings (4-5).
Beads
Sukumo Indigo Kit
Necklace, Earrings & Bracelets, Brooches & Charms & Dolls
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ラRound Beads (27 Types)）
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Extra Large 5.5mm MF-B / Extra Large 5.5mm MF-E / Extra Large 4mm MF-A / Extra Large 4mm MF-C / Extra Large 4mm MF-E / Large MF-A / Large MF-C / Large MF-E / Small MF-A / Small MF-C / Extra Small MF-B / Extra Small MF-E / Large Silver 2F-B / Large Silver 2F-D / Small Silver 2F-B / Small Silver 2F-D / Extra Small Silver 2F-B / Extra Small Silver 2F-D / Royal Large 7R-A / Royal Large 7R-B / Royal Large 7R-E / Royal Small 7R-A / Royal Small 7R-B / Royal Small 7R-E / Royal Extra Small 7R-B / Royal Extra Small 7R-E |
Cylinder Beads (20 Types)
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AikoAF-A / AikoAF-C / AikoAF-E / AikoR7R-A / AikoR7R-C / AikoR7R-E / Aiko Cut AF-A / Aiko Cut AF-C / Aiko Cut AF-E / Aiko Silk AF-A / Aiko Silk AF-C / Aiko Silk AF-E / Aiko Silver 2F-C / Aiko Silver 2F-E / Treasure 7R-A / Treasure 7R-C / Treasure 7R-E / Treasure TF-A / Treasure TF-C / Treasure TF-E |
Specialty Beads (39 Types)
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Demi Small Round DF-A / Demi Small Round DF-C / Demi Small Round DF-E / Demi Large Round DF-A / Demi Large Round DF-C / Demi Large Round DF-E / Demi Extra Large 4mm DF-A / Demi Extra Large 4mm DF-C / Demi Extra Large 4mm DF-E / Magatama 3mm MF-A / Magatama 3mm MF-C / Magatama 3mm MF-E / Magatama 4mm MF-A / Magatama 4mm MF-C / Magatama 4mm MF-E / Magatama Silver 3mm MF-A / Magatama Silver 3mm MF-C / Magatama Silver 3mm MF-E / Magatama Silver 4mm MF-A / Magatama Silver 4mm MF-C / Magatama Silver 4mm MF-E / Royal Hexagon Small 7R-C / Royal Hexagon Small 7R-E / Royal Hexagon Large 7R-C / Royal Hexagon Large 7R-E / Royal 1-Bu Bamboo 7R-A / Royal 1-Bu Bamboo 7R-C / Royal 1-Bu Bamboo 7R-E / Royal 2-Bu Bamboo 7R-A / Royal 2-Bu Bamboo 7R-C / Royal 2-Bu Bamboo 7R-E / 1-Bu Bamboo Silk 7R-A / 1-Bu Bamboo Silk 7R-C / 1-Bu Bamboo Silk 7R-E / 2-Bu Bamboo Silk 7R-A / 2-Bu Bamboo Silk 7R-C / 2-Bu Bamboo Silk 7R-E / Extra Small Hexagon Silver 2F-B / Extra Small Hexagon Silver 2F-D |
Resin Pearls (48 Types)
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Silver Pearls 2mm SP-1 / Silver Pearls 2mm SP-3 / Silver Pearls 2mm SP-5 / Silver Pearls 2.5mm SP-1 / Silver Pearls 2.5mm SP-3 / Silver Pearls 2.5mm SP-5 / Silver Pearls 3mm SP-1 / Silver Pearls 3mm SP-3 / Silver Pearls 3mm SP-5 / Silver Pearls 4mm SP-1 / Silver Pearls 4mm SP-3 / Silver Pearls 4mm SP-5 / Silver Pearls 5mm SP-1 / Silver Pearls 5mm SP-3 / Silver Pearls 5mm SP-5 / Silver Pearls 6mm SP-1 / Silver Pearls 6mm SP-3 / Silver Pearls 6mm SP-5 / Silver Pearls 8mm SP-1 / Silver Pearls 8mm SP-3 / Silver Pearls 8mm SP-5 / Silver Pearls Natsume SP-1 / Silver Pearls Natsume SP-3 / Silver Pearls Natsume SP-5 / Matte Pearls 3mm FP-1 / Matte Pearls 3mm FP-3 / Matte Pearls 3mm FP-5 / Matte Pearls 4mm FP-1 / Matte Pearls 4mm FP-3 / Matte Pearls 4mm FP-5 / Matte Pearls 5mm FP-1 / Matte Pearls 5mm FP-3 / Matte Pearls 5mm FP-5 / Matte Pearls 6mm FP-1 / Matte Pearls 6mm FP-3 / Matte Pearls 6mm FP-5 / Matte Pearls 8mm FP-1 / Matte Pearls 8mm FP-3 / Matte Pearls 8mm FP-5 / Matte Pearls Natsume FP-1 / Matte Pearls Natsume FP-3 / Matte Pearls Natsume FP-5 / Karakusa Pearls 4mm KP-3 / Karakusa Pearls 4mm KP-5 / Karakusa Pearls 6mm KP-3 / Karakusa Pearls 6mm KP-5 / Karakusa Pearls 8mm KP-3 / Karakusa Pearls 8mm KP-5 |
Wood Beads (15 Types)
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Round Ball 3mm WN-3 / Round Ball 4mm WN-3 / Round Ball 5mm WN-3 / Round Ball 6mm WN-3 / Round Ball 8mm WN-3 / Round Ball 10mm WN-3 / Natsume 6×9 WN-3 / Natsume 8×11 WN-3 / Natsume 11×17 WN-3 / Cylinder 5×5 WN-3 / Cylinder 8×8 WN-3 / Cube 4×7 WN-3 / Cube 5×5 WN-3 / Cube 8×8 WN-3 / Cube 5×5 Square WN-3 |
Cotton Pearls (21 Types)
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Rich White 6mm CP-1 / Rich White 6mm CP-3 / Rich White 6mm CP-5 / Rich White 8mm CP-1 / Rich White 8mm CP-3 / Rich White 8mm CP-5 / Rich White 10mm CP-1 / Rich White 10mm CP-3 / Rich White 10mm CP-5 / Rich White 12mm CP-1 / Rich White 12mm CP-3 / Rich White 12mm CP-5 / Rich White 14mm CP-1 / Rich White 14mm CP-3 / Rich White 14mm CP-5 / Rich White Tsuyu 8×14 CP-1 / Rich White Tsuyu 8×14 CP-3 / Rich White Tsuyu 8×14 CP-5 / Rich White Natsume 8×14 CP-1 / Rich White Natsume 8×14 CP-3 / Rich White Natsume 8×14 CP-5 |
Powder Balls & Silk Balls (23 Types)
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Powder P 4mm PP-1 / Powder P 4mm PP-3 / Powder P 4mm PP-5 / Powder P 6mm PP-1 / Powder P 6mm PP-3 / Powder P 6mm PP-5 / Powder P 8mm PP-1 / Powder P 8mm PP-3 / Powder P 8mm PP-5 / Powder P Natsume PP-1 / Powder P Natsume PP-3 / Powder P Natsume PP-5 / Powder P 6mm PV-1 / Powder P 6mm PV-3 / Powder P 6mm PV-5 / Powder P 8mm PV-1 / Powder P 8mm PV-3 / Powder P 8mm PV-5 / Powder P 10mm PV-1 / Powder P 10mm PV-3 / Powder P 10mm PV-5 / Silk Line 12mm SP-1 / Silk Line 12mm SP-3 |
Precious Wood
Using sukumo from Awa indigo in Tokushima, fine wood has been dyed with indigo.
After the dyeing process, treatments are applied to prevent mold, impurities, and color fading, and the wood is finished with plant oils to highlight the grain. These pieces are available for purchase and offered as parts to designers and creators. The rich texture of the fine wood grain, combined with the brilliance of Japan Blue, results in stunning creations.
Additionally, we accept custom orders for original designs. Please feel free to inquire. We will continue to expand our selection of items, so stay tuned for more exciting products.
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Sukumo Indigo Catalog
Sukumo Indigo Catalog (PDF: 2.5MB) Download
