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151118 1971

Shibori-zome is a simple method of dyeing, also known as “tie-dye,” that creates patterns by putting pressure on cloths. Specifically, parts of cloths are tied up with yarns, which will remain undyed, forming specific patterns. The thickness of the yarn and the colors that are used to dye affect the outcome design, color, and roughness, and therefore, works of shibori-zome are all unique to each other.

It is known that the process of shibori-zome originates from China or India. It has a very long history in Japan as well, as works of shibori-zome can be seen in Shosoin and Horyuji Temple in Nara Prefecture, which is built in the 8th century. However, during this period, shibori-zome’s status wasn’t high and the design was never used within the high society. Shibori-zome was further developed during the Muromachi and Azuchi-Momoyama periods, as craftsmen developed new dyeing methods such as the “tsujigahana-zome,” which was very complex in process.

However, as “yuzen” was introduced during the Edo period, the complicated and time-consuming “tsujiigahana-zome” gradually disappeared. Though many works of shibori-zome were produced during the Meiji period, the activity diminished in size after the war period as the economy experienced depression. Kyoto and Arimatsu are the main production areas for shibori-zome now.

Nitomi is a brand producing products that incorporate the designs of shibori-zome. The Tie-Dye Gamaguchi and the Tie-Dye Book Cover come in 7 types of tie-dye and 7 types of substrate, all truly unique and beautiful in appearance and texture. You may separately choose the designs for the inside and outside layer of the gamaguchi, while you may combine designs of shibori-zome and substrate for the book cover. How about incorporating the pleasing designs of shibori-zome within your everyday life?

NITOMI's Tie-Dye Gamaguchi
https://www.shokunin.com/en/nitomi/gamaguti.html
NITOMI's Tie-Dye Book Cover
https://www.shokunin.com/en/nitomi/book.html