kakishibu

for the uninitiated kakishibu is the fermented juice of unripe persimmons (kaki). A very old, traditional dye used in Japan in the making of paper stencils, to strengthen and waterproof washi, to preserve wood, in the production of sake and as a herbal medicine.

 with our dye materials all pre-soaked and some arashi shibori wrapped and tied Stephanie is setting up

 the powdered kakishibu is mixed with water, skeins of cotton, linen and bamboo are dyed

“painted” sheets of washi unlike other dyes kakishibu needs time and strong sunlight to darken and intensify the colour

the dark skein of cotton, on the right is overdyed and then had an iron modifier applied

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

baking soda is mixed with water and applied as a modifier, giving a warm brown.

we couldn’t wait any longer! the arashi shibori is unwrapped, the colour will darken over time

 

 

 

 

 

 

an old linen damask napkin 

 

Steph folded and tied an old white T-shirt, what’s it going to look like?

Elizabeth gets in on the act.  Wow, Mom it’s great!