BINGATA HISTORY

Bingata is a traditional dyeing technique from Okinawa, with origins tracing back to the 14th to 15th centuries. The term "Bin" translates to color, and "Gata" translates to pattern. During the Ryukyu Kingdom era, the island thrived through trade with Asian countries, incorporating and refining various cultural influences. Bingata emerged by blending Chinese stencil techniques, Japanese Yuzen dyeing, and Indian and Javanese sarasa, adapting them to the island's unique climate. During this time, Bingata was traditionally worn by royalty and the upper classes, symbolizing high social status.

Bingata is famous for its bright, bold colors and simple yet eye-catching patterns. The process involves careful attention to detail and the use of natural materials. Craftsmen use mineral pigments that resist sunlight and high temperatures, along with dyes that create a soft texture. This combination results in beautiful gradations of color.

The Battle of Okinawa in 1945 nearly brought Bingata to extinction. In the post-war period, craftsmen used their ingenuity to revive Bingata, repurposing materials such as flour sacks for fabric, military maps for stencils, lipstick for pigments, cartridge shells for glue bag nozzles, and vinyl records for glue spatulas. In 2020, Bingata was recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO for its cultural significance and unique craftsmanship.