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

A Studio Surrounded by Nature

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 by extracting the vivid hues of seasonal plants and produces kimonos, scarves, and accessories using hand-drawn looms. 

The storefront of Atelia Shimura’s Tokyo branch

Atelier Shimura’s “Shop & Gallery” is located in the quiet residential area of Seijo in Tokyo, and allows guests to immerse themselves in the world of Japanese dyeing and weaving while listening to the gentle sounds of breeze and birdsong.

The Essence of Plants

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.

Fresh kudzu leaves create a delicate green color

In this experience, guests can experience them firsthand, by selecting a silk scarf or handkerchief and dyeing it using a different plant each month.

Seasonal color in August: Japanese arrowroot

Seasonal color in September: Kariyasu grass

Seasonal color in October: madder

Seasonal color in November: Japanese green alder

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)

Weaving with Hands and Heart (Optional)

You also have the option to create a mini 20 cm tapestry by weaving plant-dyed silk threads on a loom. Like dyeing, the weaving process uses repetition to achieve stunning results — the shuttle moves back and forth and a pattern emerges in rich colors.

The studio echoes with the sounds of weaving (Photo by Nobuto Osakabe)

You can frame the completed mini tapestry for a beautiful interior decoration

Guests are welcome to use any of the other colors available at the studio, and are invited to create their own unique pattern. Weaving in a space filled with natural light brings with it a feeling of deep peace and tranquility.

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.