Nagoya Kuromontsuki-Zome (Dyeing)

At the beginning of the 17th century, the Owari clan controlled an area centered on present-day Nagoya. At that time, the Kosakai family—a family of retainers—was recognized as the official clan dyeing artisans by the Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu. His order for creation of clan flags and banners led to establishment of this craft.

The dyeing of a black cloth, with family crests depicted in the un-eyed space, for clan members and others began at the end of the Edo era (1600-1868). In the middle of the 19th century, the art of dyeing became more organized in the area, and a union was formed.