Fabric dyeing

Fabric dyeing is the process of dyeing white fabric to a designated color tone. First, the right colors are mixed from among an infinite amount of hue options to create a color tone that is the exact same as the color swatch, without even the slightest deviation. A pair of wooden harigi frames is attached to both ends of the fabric, which is stretched between the frames and adjusted in shinshi stretchers so the sides are stretched laterally to prevent the fabric from tilting or warping. Then, the tightly stretched and elongated fabric is dyed evenly with a single large brush, without any blotting.

Dyeing also includes techniques like gradation dyeing and multicolor dyeing. These are extremely delicate processes that require an artisan’s skilled craftsmanship and an intense sensitivity to colors born from long years of experience. The GION SAITO of today has long been bolstered by dyeing artisans who carry on a dedication to craft passed down by their predecessors.

Occasionally we receive a difficult order, and for a time our artisans are unable to match the ideal colors. But even in these cases, in the end they always produce a wonderful color that meets the high GION SAITO standards. Coming together to create products in this way is our joy, and is also the challenging quest of the artisans themselves as they strive to create ever more beautiful products.