Experience

Shibori is a traditional dyeing technique first used in the Nara Period (ad 710-794). There are many different methods of shibori. We offer an experience of makiage shibori, a common stich-resist technique. Handwork is fundamental to our craft, and our artisans are particularly skilled in shibori dyeing techniques. We hope you enjoy how each shibori dye is unique.

Cost	¥3,500
Length	Around 60 minutes (in addition to the tour)
Item	Handkerchief
Collection	Item will be ready to take home on the day
Process	Stich along the guideline drawn on the fabric Pull the thread to bind the fabric Submerge in the dye After drying remove the thread, and then iron

Yuzen techniques usually involve either hand painting or screen printing. Suri-yuzen, which uses a brush and stencil, resembles the latter. The dye is applied – one stencil at a time – directly onto the fabric using a circular brush. It can require dozens of stencils to dye one kimono because each can only be used with one color. With this mini suri-yuzen experience you can try dyeing with a small number of colors using the templates we have available.

Cost	¥3,500
Length	Around 60 minutes (in addition to the tour)
Item	Handkerchief
Collection	Item will be sent to you by post
Process	Align the stencil to the fabric, which is fixed to the table Brush in a circular motion to dye the fabric Repeat using a different stencil for each colour Add your initials to the finished product

Hand painting tsumugi fabric after shibori dyeing is a process typical of the Aoyagi factory. We’ll create either a cushion or tablecloth from your work, and send it to your address for you to enjoy at home. This experience uses Aoyagi’s own brand of Akajyo Tsumugi fabric, which we’ve dyed using koboushi shibori leaving white areas for you to paint in the shapes of the animals of the Chinese zodiac. We hope you enjoy the adorability of the finished item.

Cost	¥11,000
Length	Around 60 minutes (in addition to the tour)
Item	Cushion or tablecloth
Collection	Item will be sent to you by post
Process	Choose either the cushion or tablecloth template Fix the material in place on the table Brush dye on the white areas one part at a time