Material : 100% silk
Size : approximately 15 x 18 cm
HISTORY of SHIBORI
“Shibori” is the noun form of the Japanese verb “Shiboru” meaning “squeeze”. The “Shibori-zome” and the “Shibori” refer to the technique used to dye textiles which is called “tie-dye” in English. After bounding the cloth with thread several times, it is stitched and dipped in dyes. The non-dyed parts have a beautiful color gradation as if it is painted by hand, and a very unique three dimensional form appears.
The origin of the technique is said to be India in the fifth century B.C., and has been found in many parts of the world including China, Africa, Central Asia and Peru.
“Shibori” is said to be the oldest dyeing technique in Japan, which features frequently in the “Ukiyoe (Japanese painting)” of Ando Hiroshige and Katsushika Hokusai of Edo period. The technique, which came from China around the seventh century, was mentioned in “Nihon-shoki” Manyoshu, the Pillow Book (Makura no Soshi) and the Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari).
In the Heian period, it flourished and produced the costumes for the aristocratic class, who used their luxurious garments as a display of their wealth and power.
Since then, over 100 kinds of “Shibori” techniques have been developed in Japan.
“Shibori” developed in Oita Prefecture, Kumamoto Prefecture and Aichi Prefecture besides Kyoto, however, only Kyoto and Nagoya are still active in producing textiles today.
