Brand new, ready to wear! TANGO Chirimen Bamboo Tussah Silk with Benibana (Safflower) Dye, Hana Ori Tsumugi

Brand New & Ready to Wear! Tango Chirimen Bamboo Tussah Benibana Dyeing Hanaori Tsumugi Condition: Brand New, Ready to Wear Material: Silk Color: Gray, Pink, Cream Hakkake Color: Pinkish brown gradation This exquisite piece is woven in Tango, Kyoto Prefecture, a region with a long history and advanced techniques, using Tango Chirimen to express the traditional Hanaori patterns of Okinawa. Benibana dyeing, also known as beni-zome or hon-beni-zome, refers to dyeing with safflower. The process involves extracting the pigment from safflower in an alkaline solution of lye, soaking the yarn or fabric in it for one to two days and nights to absorb the pigment, and then fixing the red dye with umezu (plum vinegar). Dark colors are called kankou, beni, or hi, while light colors are called sakura-iro or toki-iro. Additionally, dyeing with safflower over a base of turmeric to create a yellowish-red is called beni-hi. Hanaori is a general term for the patterned weaves of Okinawa. The technique of weaving patterns that appear to float on the surface of the fabric, creating a delicate charm that resembles fine embroidery, is very popular. The smooth tsumugi fabric features woven Hanaori patterns, with the floating weave creating a three-dimensional effect and a subtle sheen. The fabric is dyed with a horizontal gradation of gray, pink, and cream colors. The simple patterns that emerge on the richly textured tsumugi fabric create a stylish impression. This is a carefully crafted masterpiece woven using yarn dyed with safflower. Size (from shoulder): Length: 183cm (Fits heights up to approximately 183cm) Shoulder Width: 73cm Sleeve Length: 49cm Sleeve Width: 36cm Front Width: 25cm Back Width: 30cm Outer Fabric: Silk (Tango Chirimen) Lining: Silk Collar: Wide collar with snap closure Hips: Approximately 100cm (Fits sizes 9-13 in Western clothing!) (The coordinated items in the photos are for styling purposes only. This listing is for the tsumugi only. Accessories are sold separately.) Please note that this item may be removed from sale on other sites without prior notice.