Kyoto [Textiles/Dyeing] KYO Kanoko Shibori (Tie-Dyeing)

Categories
Art / Traditional crafts
Area
Kansai Kyoto
Shops
Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square
Update date
2023-01-06

Shape resist tie-dyeing, or shibori, has existed for over a thousand years in Japan and was used for the patterns on court dress. It is known as kanoko shibori, or literally "fawn spot” tie-dyeing because of its resemblance to the spots on a young fawn.

From the Muromachi era (1333-1568) through to the beginning of the Edo era (1600-1868), the tsujigahana style of dyeing was extremely popular, but by the middle of the Edo era, Kanoko Shibori reached its Golden Age. Since then, shibori artisan skills have been passed on from one generation to the next.

There are no other examples of tie-dyeing with such fine and accurate binding as the Kanoko Shibori techniques, known as as hitta shibori and hitome shibori, nor do any others have such distinctive three-dimensional qualities. Patterns are expressed through a combination of the individual qualities of each technique. Kanoko Shibori is used to create patterns on kimono fabric and obi sashes, as well as products including wall-hangings and interior articles.

KYO Kanoko Shibori (Tie-Dyeing) (details page)

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