Part 2 of making precipitated indigo: circulate the liquid with a small pump, observe the foam, settle the pigment and remove the clear upper liquid to obtain indigo paste.
First-cut Japanese indigo is fermented in water for three days, then slaked lime is added before vigorous agitation begins.
Himejoon fleabane was used to naturally dye silk thread with aluminium, iron, copper and titanium mordants, producing four beautiful colour variations.
A step-by-step method for soaking Japanese indigo leaves, adding slaked lime, agitating the liquid and settling the pigment for storage.
Silkworm droppings, called sansha, are used to dye iron-mordanted wool before the fibre is cooled, dried, carded and spun into a deep-coloured yarn.