| Shibori refers to the various Japanese methods of | | | | spot) shibori. |
| tie-dyeing fabric. These techniques are highly skilled | | | | Shibori is still produced in Kyoto and Arimatsu for |
| and have been refined since being brought from China | | | | high-end clients such as geisha and maiko (not only for |
| in around the 7th century AD. | | | | kimono but maiko also wear a piece of kanoko shibori |
| Shibori-style dyeing is used throughout Asia and in | | | | in their hair), but it is in serious danger of extinction. |
| other parts of the world including Africa, Europe and | | | | Artisans who have been producing shibori for |
| America, but there is something about the subtlety and | | | | generations are struggling to pass their skills on. Many |
| grace of Japanese tie-dyeing that makes it unique and | | | | shibori artists are in their 80s and 90s now because |
| special. | | | | younger generations have chosen to pursue |
| During the Heian period (794 to 1185) when Kyoto was | | | | Western-style careers - they are no longer obliged to |
| Japan's capital, shibori was used in court dress which | | | | follow their family's profession. |
| included 12 layers of kimono! Each layer was carefully | | | | Shibori is highly labour intensive for little financial reward |
| chosen to complement the season and was dyed a | | | | - it takes 100,000 knots to produce enough kanoko |
| subtlely different shade, with seasonal motifs. After this | | | | shibori for a kimono!!! This is the main reason I'd like to |
| period shibori spread to the provinces where indigo | | | | share my knowledge of shibori with you. |
| was used to dye hemp and cotton clothing. | | | | Fortunately, people all over the world are now |
| The most famous shibori-producing village is Arimatsu, | | | | discovering the joy of shibori, and many people use |
| founded in the 17th century between Kyoto and Edo | | | | simple techniques to produce silk scarves, clothing and |
| (modern Tokyo). Arimatsu pioneered several | | | | handbags. With the prevailance of easy-to-use dyes it |
| techniques including using a hook to hold fabric while | | | | is possible to make beautiful shibori items quickly and |
| thread is wrapped around it, this is called kanoko (fawn | | | | easily once the basics have been mastered. |