Dye a Silk Scarf or Handkerchief with Seasonal Plants at Atelier Shimura Kyoto

The Colorful World of Plants

Atelier Shimura was set up by Shoji Shimura, grandson of Living National Treasure Fukumi Shimura and son of Yoko Shimura, another successful dyeing and weaving artist. Based in Sagano, Kyoto, the studio dyes yarns with the vivid hues of seasonal plants and produces kimonos, scarves, and accessories by hand. 
Atelier Shimura exclusively uses dyes extracted from the roots, branches, and leaves of plants that have been part of Japan’s dyeing tradition since time immemorial. (*Some exceptions may apply.) When working with plant dye, aspects like soil type, time of harvest, and yearly temperature variation can all subtly affect the final color, making each dyeing session unique. In this experience, guests can experience them firsthand by dyeing a silk scarf or handkerchief at the studio.

The experience venue, Good Nature Station, in Kawaramachi, Kyoto

At the start of the experience, guests can view the plants to be used for the day’s dyeing as they grow and hear more about the colors they produce. Smelling the fragrance of each plant and comparing its color to the dye it produces, it is impossible not to feel closer to nature.

Something of a plant’s life force is transmitted when it is used in dye (Photo by Nobuto Osakabe)

Hand-Dyed Beauty

Atelier Shimura’s scarves and handkerchieves are made of 100% silk and are dyed a different color each month. You can immerse yourself in the beautiful world of colors inspired by nature. Plant dyes work well with silk, bringing out vibrant natural colors.

Seasonal color in August: Japanese arrowroot

Seasonal color in September: Kariyasu grass

Seasonal color in October: sappanwood

Seasonal color in November: Olive

Each scarf or handkerchief is soaked in a bowl with liquid dye, then hung up and exposed to sunlight and fresh air on the terrace. This process is repeated three times at steadily increasing temperatures. As the color seeps deeper into the silk fibers, the color darkens. Hand-dyeing allows guests to feel the blessings of nature with all their senses: the warmth of the liquid, the sound of fabric shifting in the wind, and the fragrance of the dye.

A scarf is soaked in warm dye (Photo by Nobuto Osakabe)

Fixing and Finishing

Once the dyeing is complete, a mordant, usually made from minerals like iron or copper, is used to fix the color. The effect can be dramatic: with some dyes, the true color emerges suddenly when fabric is dipped in the liquid mordant. After several more rounds of dipping and wringing, the fabric is once again taken outside to dry. The use of all-natural materials helps to bring out the true colors of the plant, and these become even more vivid when exposed to fresh air, sunlight, and wind.

Finally, after a rinse in clean water, the true color of the plant is preserved forevermore. Guests may take their finished scarves or handkerchieves home with them that same day.

Scarves or handkerchieves may be taken home on the same day(Photo by Nobuto Osakabe)

An Opportunity to Connect with Nature and Contemplate Life

Plant dyes are very delicate, with their colors gradually maturing and blending over time. Embrace this unique characteristic of the dyes as you enjoy the evolving intensity and impression of the colors after you take your creation home.

Settle the mind, sharpen the senses, and lose track of time: at Atelier Shimura, guests can feel the life-giving energy of the natural world that surrounds us all.

(Photo by Nobuto Osakabe)