Studio D'Artisan "Awa-Ai" Natural Indigo Sashiko Pants (Regular Tapered)

1880

• Original Selvedge "Awa-Ai" Heavyweight Sashiko fabric
• 100% Cotton
• One Wash
• Garment dyed in Natural Indigo
• Regular Tapered Fit
• 4 Button fly 
• Engraved copper male/female rivets
• Hidden rivets featured on back pockets
• SDA original back pocket arcuates
• Chainstitched back yoke construction
• Original "Awa-Ai" Leather waistband patch
• Herringbone pocket bags
• Center belt loop offset

First introduced to Japan from China around 900 A.D., the art of Natural Indigo dyeing in Tokushima was popularized by Lord Hachisuka of Awa City in Tokushima, Japan. Lord Hachisuka discovered that the climate in the area around Yoshino River Basin was ideal for Indigo cultivation, a revolutionary moment for Japanese Natural Indigo.

Using a process of fermentation of the Indigofera leaves to develop the paste, or Sukumo, the process of Tokushima Aizome dyeing is unique to the prefecture. Given that the plant-based derived dye is completely naturally occurring, the garments serve as a natural insect repellent due to the scent of Natural Indigo. 

Recognized as intangible cultural treasures of Japan, the Shokunin (artisans) responsible for dyeing these garments will dye each garment piece by piece by hand. In order to achieve the light hues featured, each garment goes through roughly 5 dye cycles.

**Given the hand-dyed nature of these garments, every piece will feature a slight variance in color.