◇ Special Exhibition at Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum: “The Story of Indigo and the Story of Safflower” | July 5 – August 31 ◇
Since ancient times, a variety of dyes have been used to color fabrics and threads.
Until the mid-19th century, when synthetic dyes were developed, people relied on natural dyes extracted from plants and animals—not only to obtain color, but also to benefit from the properties of the dye sources themselves.
In Japanese color culture, indigo blue and crimson red are essential hues, derived respectively from the indigo plant and safflower.
While both are dyes, indigo and safflower have each developed their own distinct cultural significance over time.
This exhibition explores the history of these two major dyes—their colors, dyeing techniques, and the patterns and garments they inspired—offering a renewed appreciation of their beauty and cultural value.
◇ Exhibition Period
- First Term: Saturday, July 5 – Sunday, August 3
- Second Term: Wednesday, August 6 – Sunday, August 31
◇ Opening Hours
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission: 4:30 PM)
◇ Closed Days
- Wednesday, July 23
- Wednesday, August 27
Note: Only the permanent exhibition will be available on August 4 and 5 due to exhibit changes.
◇ Admission Fees
- Adults: ¥590 (¥470)
- University & High School Students: ¥390 (¥310)
- Elementary & Junior High School Students: ¥240 (¥190)
Figures in parentheses are group rates for 20 or more visitors.
《Gallery Talk》
No registration required. Admission to the special exhibition is necessary.
- Saturday, July 5, 2:00 PM
Highlights of the exhibition explained by the museum curator.
《Guest Gallery Talk》
- Sunday, July 13, 2:00 PM
Guest Speaker: Yukio Yamamura, Director of the Primitive Fabrics and Ancient Weaving Reference Museum
◇ Contact Information
Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum
1-2-1 Marunouchi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture
Tel: 0238-26-8001
