Wang attributed the rising popularity of learning indigo dyeing to the localized school curriculum in recent years. As part of the local culture and history education program, some elementary schools have introduced their pupils to the ancient craft.
Wang is eager to put works by his students on the market, but is taking cautious steps in that direction. "I don't want to have them on the market before the right time, otherwise they would end up in street stalls. If that happens, the students will feel very sad because they have put so much effort into their work," Wang said.
There are other obstacles to conquer, as well, before the fabrics can hit the market. "After residents gave up the plant 100 years ago, it's not easy to persuade them back into the business. I have talked two families into growing assam indigo, and have found farmers need a lot of convincing. I have to prove to them that it's a viable option," Wang said.
Wang's farm produced over 100kg of dyestuff last year, most of which was used by the 25 students in the workshop from December to March. From 1kg of dyestuff, only 40 45cm-by-45cm handkerchiefs can be dyed. Wang said the commercial potential is therefore limited. "The main problem is the source of assam indigo," Wang said.
"I just want to sow the seeds now, and if more people grow to love indigo dyeing, there will be more farmers and more people wanting to buy the works.9ji Then, indigo dyeing will return to Nuannuan."
Cozy East Nursery Garden is located at No. 12 Tong-ding Rd., Nuannuan, Keelung (基隆市暖暖區東碇路12號)
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