Experience the dedicated craftsmanship of a nearly extinct Okinawan textile art with a 16th generation bingata artist.

An artisanal craft developed for the royal and aristocratic class of the Ryukyu Kingdom, bingata faced near extinction after the annexation of Okinawa and the destruction of bingata pieces and materials during World War II. The art was revived through the memory and dedication of artisans, becoming unique and valuable to Okinawa’s heritage. Today, bingata exists within traditional pieces, obi sashes, furoshiki wrapping cloths, interior goods, and contemporary fashion.

Bingata requires more than 18 meticulous steps to create the bold yet refined patterns, colors, and compositions characteristic of the art. Formed through the adaptation of Chinese pigment culture, Japanese stencil-dyeing techniques, and Southeast Asian color choice to Okinawan design sensibilities, bingata emerged as a distinctly Ryukyuan craft.

ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE

Beginning with a tour of the bingata workshop, guests will have the opportunity to observe the creation of these precious textiles. Afterward, guests can try on a uchikake (a traditional outer robe) and view historic bingata pieces in a gallery. Dialogue with a passionate and dedicated bingata artist will provide guests with simultaneously modern and culturally entrenched perspectives on traditional craftsmanship in Okinawa.

about the artisan

A 16th generation head of one of the three founding houses of bingata art, his family’s 300 year long legacy intertwined with a passion for the contemporaneous value of the craft positions him as an exceptional guide to bingata. His works — exhibited both in Japan and abroad — are inspired by the nature and culture of Okinawa with modern influences. Through dialogue and immersive experience, he hopes to share bingata with younger generations.

Experience includes:	Private guiding, translator, uchikake, and insurance
Duration:	2 hours (can be adjusted upon request)
Location:	Naha (inquire for further details)
Price:	Please contact us to inquire about pricing
Max # of people:	Up to 4