tefutefu - tefutefu

New Zen

yajirushi

Peace of mind, balance with our environment,
synergy born
through understanding.
tefutefu hopes to shine a light on quintessential Japanese philosophy through artisanal craftsmanship.

OUR MISSION

New Zen

New Zen

yajirushi

Peace of mind, balance with our environment,
synergy born
through understanding.
tefutefu hopes to shine a light on quintessential Japanese philosophy through artisanal craftsmanship.

OUR MISSION

New Zen

News

New Product

SUITŌ

-A Lifetime Companion- Japanese craft "SUITŌ" SHIKI collection made from Urushi. SUITŌ is inspired by the …

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Culture

Refining your sense of be…

The Bonsai Master -Kunio Kobayashi-

Kunio Kobayashi is one of Japan's distinguished bonsai masters. Despite starting his unconventional self-taugh…

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Product

-SHIKI Collection- Episod…

URUSHI WARE: SUITŌ

What We Wanted to Create was Time Called SUITŌ

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EXPLORE

Culture

The Art of Urushi Tapping

The Art of Urushi Tapping

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Culture

crafts
ibaraki
Urushi

Culture

Refining your sense of beauty with the Bonsai Master -Kunio Kobayashi-

Refining your sense of beauty with the Bonsa…

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Culture

bonsai
museum
tokyo

Product

URUSHI WARE: SUITŌ -SHIKI Collection- Episode02

URUSHI WARE: SUITŌ -SHIKI Collection- Episod…

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Product

SHIKI
SUITŌ
Urushi

Product

URUSHI WARE: SUITŌ -SHIKI Collection- Episode01

URUSHI WARE: SUITŌ -SHIKI Collection- Episod…

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Product

SHIKI
SUITŌ
Urushi

Culture

The Shining Star of Kimono Industry

The Shining Star of Kimono Industry

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Culture

kimono
tokyo
tradition

Culture

Nature and Life Taught by Wild Grasses

Nature and Life Taught by Wild Grasses

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Culture

flower
kyoto
nature

Culture

Innovating Miyakojima Traditions Through Art

Innovating Miyakojima Traditio…

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Culture

artist
Japanese Calligraphy
miyakojima

Culture

The Green Cocoons and Wild Silkworms

The Green Cocoons and Wild Sil…

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Culture

nagano
silk
tensan

Culture

BETTER COLORS

BETTER COLORS

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Culture

artist
botanical dye
kanagawa

In Japanese poetry, “ai” (藍, indigo) often p

In Japanese poetry, “ai” (藍, indigo) often plays on the words "ai” (愛, love) and "au (会う, meeting)." The color of indigo, which grows darker with every dip, is likened to deepening affection. Here’s an example of Japanese poetry that features “ai” (indigo):

Harima naru
Shikama no sato ni
Hosu ai no
Itsuka omoi no
Iro ni izubeki”
— Fujiwara no Ieyoshi (581) from the Fuboku Wakasho

In the village of Shikama in Harima,
I wish that someday my feelings will come to fruition, like the drying indigo.

———

和歌に用いられる藍は、「愛」や「会う」の掛詞として、恋の歌に登場します。染めるほどに濃くなる藍の色は、深まる愛になぞられていたのです。そんな藍の登場する和歌をひとつ。

「はりまなる　しかまの里に　ほすあゐの　いつかおもひの　色に出づべき」
藤原家良(581) ー夫木和歌抄
意味：播磨の飾磨という里で、干されている藍のように、いつかこの思いも実ればいいのに

#japanblue #japancraft
#japanesecrafts #moderncraft
#aizome #indigodye #plantdye
#japaneseculture #japanesedesign
#japaneseart #ukiyoe

Higeta Indigo Dye Studio (Mashiko, Tochigi) Higet

Higeta Indigo Dye Studio (Mashiko, Tochigi)

Higeta Indigo Dye Studio has been practicing the art of indigo dyeing since the Edo period. The traditional indigo vats lined up, some over 200 years old, are a sight to see. As smoke rises from the fermenting indigo and the deep blue hues swirl within the vats, visitors find themselves immersed in a world of timeless craftsmanship.

The ninth-generation owner, Tadashi Higeta, is a legend. He grows his own cotton, spins it into thread, and dyes it using plant materials he grows and harvests himself. Dedicated to his craft, Higeta continues to explore new fabric expressions.

The studio offers free tours, and the on-site shop features a range of beautifully dyed items available for purchase. Stay tuned for an upcoming interview with Tadashi Higeta on the tefutefu website!

Higeta Indigo Dye Studio
Address: 1 Jonaisaka, Mashiko Town, Haga District, Tochigi Prefecture
Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed: Mondays

video: @___mammy_
#japanblue #japancraft
#japanesecrafts #moderncraft
#aizome #indigodye
#tochigi #japantravel
#japaneseculture #plantdye
#藍染 #益子 #栃木

"Japan Blue," as it is called overseas, is a symbo

"Japan Blue," as it is called overseas, is a symbolic color in Japan. Since the technique of indigo dyeing was introduced approximately 1,400 years ago, "ai" (indigo) is deeply ingrained in Japanese life. Over time, the dyeing technique spread throughout the country, and “the culture of blue” flourished in the Edo period.

During the samurai era, indigo was favored as a "lucky" color and became essential for farmers due to its insect-repelling effects. Indigo dye adheres well to various fabrics, featuring different shades of blue on cotton, silk, and linen. Indigo pairs particularly well with cotton, and indigo-dyed cotton garments became a staple of everyday clothing. It was Robert William Atkinson, a British chemist who came to Japan in the early Meiji period, who famously described the indigo-colored cityscape as "Japan Blue," underscoring its significance and how it continues to live in the hearts of the Japanese to this day.

#japanblue #japancraft
#japanesecrafts #moderncraft
#aizome #indigodye #plantdye
#japaneseculture #japanesedesign

"Chou-u" "Chou-u" is a Zen phrase that means "to l

"Chou-u"
"Chou-u" is a Zen phrase that means "to listen to the rain." It is associated with autumn and is highly valued in the Japanese tea ceremony.

In this context, "listening" goes far beyond simply hearing with your ears. It involves observing the delicate ripples of raindrops on the surface of the water, inhaling the scent of rain-soaked garden soil, tasting the cool moisture on your skin, or letting the sound of rain falling on the roof envelop you entirely.

It is a profound communion with nature—an invitation to connect with the voice of the heavens, immersing yourself in the moment by engaging all five senses.

#japaneseculture #japanexplorer
#zen #zenwords #japanstyle
#japanesewords #zenlife

Meitei ( @meitei.japan ) stands as a truly singula

Meitei ( @meitei.japan ) stands as a truly singular artist, weaving the nostalgic echoes of kouta (a type of traditional short song) and traditional Japanese instruments into a soundscape that feels ancient yet refreshingly modern. His sound evokes a sense of familiarity, stirring memories of the old landscapes of Japan, yet pulses with a contemporary edge.

Meitei’s music embodies the pure essence of Japan's cultural core, resonating deeply with what tefutefu values. At a recent event hosted by SOHO ( @sohohouse ) × tefutefu ( @tefutefulab ) at twelv. ( @12twelv ), he took the stage as DJ, making the SakeSabi an unforgettable sensorial night.

We are honored to share this time with Meitei.

photo: @teddylama
#japaneseculture #japaneseartist
#japanmusic #meitei #japanstyle
#japaneseart #japaneseartists

"Bonsai: New Edition" by Kunio Kobayashi (PIE Inte

"Bonsai: New Edition" by Kunio Kobayashi (PIE International)

This book is a stunning collection of bonsai photographs organized by month. From January to December, it features around 90 beautifully crafted bonsai by master Kunio Kobayashi, who exemplifies the essence of Japanese aesthetics and the spirit of wabi-sabi. The book provides detailed information on the history of bonsai and guidance on its appreciation, in both Japanese and English. It is a truly aesthetically pleasing work that reveals the beauty of bonsai and the seasonal splendor of Japan.

photo: @___mammy_
#japaneseculture #japanesebook
#bonsai #kuniokobayashi #bonsaimaster
#bookreccomendation #japanart
#bonsaimuseum #bonsaibook

SUITŌ IROHA series now available for pre-order! h

SUITŌ IROHA series now available for pre-order!
https://shop.tefutefulab.com/products/suito-iroha

photo: @daisuketakeda513
#japanesecraft #urushi
#japaneseculture #urushiwares
#japanesedesign #handcrafted
#japanesecraftsmanship
#japanesemodern #moderncraftsman

SUITŌ comes in three sizes: 152mm, 110mm, 91mm Th

SUITŌ comes in three sizes: 152mm, 110mm, 91mm
They are designed to serve your everyday tea, coffee or sake to be something special.
*Upcoming IROHA pre-order will be available in sizes 110mm (160ml) and 91mm (70ml)

#japanesecraft #urushi
#japaneseculture #urushiware
#japanesedesign #handcrafted
#japanesecraftsmanship
#japanesemodern #moderncraftsman

SUITŌ IROHA series Pre-order starts September 18,

SUITŌ IROHA series
Pre-order starts September 18, 6:00pm JST in limited quantity!
IROHA comes in six colors, each representing a different stage of a leaf's life cycle, and will be available in two sizes: 110mm and 91mm.
*110mm holds 160ml, ideal for tea
*91mm holds 70ml, perfect for sake

IROHA is finished with "sabi-urushi," a base coat technique typically hidden under polishing layers. Enjoy the natural rough texture and the color palette exalting the dynamic life of leaves as they emerge, grow, and eventually decay.

photo: @daisuketakeda513

#japanesecraft #urushi
#japaneseculture #urushiware
#japanesedesign #handcrafted
#japanesecraftsmanship
#japanesemodern #moderncraftsman