Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on March 2013
Since before the Edo period, Japan has been famous for indigo-dyed products. One of the “tie-dye” style methods is known as shibori, Japanese for “squeezed.” Today, maker Yumezaiku dyes fabrics (mostly silk and hemp) using plants and flowers—like the subtle pink from the sakura blossoms so readily found this season—letting you enjoy their beauty year round.
Using twigs from sakura branches taken before full bloom, Madder (a southwest Asian plant with red roots), pomegranate flowers and more, Yumezaiku offers a distinctive array of sakura-like colors from hardy greys through delicate pinks. Check out their 100%-silk sakura necktie in pink and grey (¥9,450) or the lace handkerchief with sakura blossom pattern with blossom-shaped edges (large ¥2,520, small ¥1,470). They even have 100% hemp Oidaira coasters that allow you to scatter cherry blossoms all over your table (¥1,680 per coaster).
If you’re keen to travel all the way to Fukuoka, Yumezaiku will show you how to hand dye your own objets d’art for between ¥1,500 to ¥6,000. (Reservations required. Tel: 0946-25-0273).
