Tag Archives: Ryukyu Natural Dyeing

Sugar Cane Dye

When my Okasan (mother) was a little girl, she remembers the local villagers processing newly cut sugarcane.  She was often given a piece of cane as a treat on the way home from school by those working the cane in Izumi Village. Now, many Okinawans use sugarcane for dyeing.  As in most Ryukyuan dye methods,Continue reading “Sugar Cane Dye”

Contemporary Handweavers of Houston – April 21

“Ryukyu Weaving:  Fabrics that Guard the Spirit” Date:  April 21, 2011 Time:  7:00 pm Where:  Contemporary Handweavers of Houston (CHH) Location:  Bayou Manor, 4141 South Braeswood, Houston, TX USA Note that my presentation fee will be donated to the Japan Red Cross to help the tsunami victims in dire need of our support.

Ai Dye…

My weaving and dyeing heritage originates from Izumi Village where the locals have practiced indigo cultivation for centuries. Ryukyu Ai (indigo) is a native plant.  Those in Izumi have a long and proud Ai Zomme (indigo dyeing) heritage. With the help of my Okinawan family, Ai dye now too!

I Practice an Ancient Art…

I practice the ancient art of  Bingata… Bingata is a Ryukyuan dyeing process that was developed during the 14-15th centuries.  Natural pigments and vegetable dyestuffs are applied to cotton, silk and bashofu fabrics. A stencil is used with Nori paste (a resist paste) to outline the design to be dyed.  In my work here, iContinue reading “I Practice an Ancient Art…”