Indigo is a color steeped in history, and has been revered across the globe for centuries. When combined with white, this classic pairing exudes a timeless quality that has captivated humankind.

Due to its tendency to sit on the surface of fibers, indigo is particularly well-suited for shibori techniques. However, it is important to note that a wide variety of dyes were used in traditional shibori practices, and the indigo-and-white version we are so familiar with is a regional variation born of migrant workers from Kyushu travelling to Arimatsu.


While indigo was upheld as a prized dye in European markets, it is essential to recognize that many folk and indigenous cultures globally also utilized indigo, giving it a dual status as both a luxury item and a common resource. It is important to note that some British merchants profited significantly through the enslavement and colonization of regions in India, Africa, and the Americas.

Confusingly, indigo is technically not a dye but rather a pigment that undergoes a complex chemical transformation in order for it to be used as a dye. This unique characteristic adds to its allure. The process begins with the extraction of indican from the leaves of the Indigofera plant. When processed, this compound releases indoxyl, which, upon oxidation, transforms into the characteristic blue pigment we recognize as indigo. The transformation from greenish or yellow hues to deep blue is not only visually striking but also metaphorically resonates with historical notions of alchemy, where color changes were believed to symbolize personal transformation.

Photography by Alastair Brooks.