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A Treasured Creation: Today's Treasure - Ai, the Natural Indigo of Japan
"It's kami (gods) that have helped us for generations." So says Sato Akihito (82),a 19th-generation Ai, or indigo, producer. Digging into a hot mound of Ai, he immediately knows what the Ai "wants." Ai makes an almost mystical color due to time, several fermentation processes and constant care. It requires a delicate balance between the power of humans and Ai, as well as dye artisans who are dedicated to the craft of Aizome, or indigo dyeing. We take a look at the incessant dialog between humans, fungus and plant matter, which epitomizes the Japanese attitude towards nature and beauty.
Aired: Feb 10, 2021 Genre: DocumentaryDuration: 15m Rating: 0 Country: Japan Production: NHK
Episodes
01: Ground Detective Simon Wallis: Case 2 Soy Sauce02: Fishing Crazy: Divine Duel at Sea03: Close to ART: WATARI-UM - The Watari Museum of Contemporary Art04: Through the Kitchen Window: Iga - Creating New Out of Old05: A Treasured Creation: Today's Treasure - Ai, the Natural Indigo of Japan06: A Treasured Creation: Today's Treasure - Keeping Barrel-brewed Soy Sauce Alive07: Starting Over: Back to School Part 308: Starting Over: The Flight Goes On Part 309: Starting Over: Hotels Old and New Part 310: A Treasured Creation: Today's Treasure - Natural Ice Farmers11: Fishing Crazy: Bonding With a Scaly Partner12: NINJA TRUTH Episode 15: Ninja Communication13: NINJA TRUTH Episode 16: The Fuma Ninja14: Through the Kitchen Window: For the Love of Akigawa's Sweetfish15: Ground Detective Simon Wallis: File #3 "The Case of the Udon Noodles"16: A Treasured Creation: The Bond with Urushi, Japanese Lacquer17: Fishing Crazy: Anglers in Wonderland