Dried safflower petals (ranka) 50g are a natural plant dye for botanical dyeing.
Safflower is an annual plant in the daisy family. It reached Japan in ancient times through the Silk Road and was known by old names such as kurenai and suetsumuhana.
From the late Muromachi period onward, safflower cultivation and processing developed along the Mogami River in Yamagata. During the Edo period, safflower cakes were transported to Kyoto and prized for dyeing and cosmetic rouge.
Safflower petals contain a water-soluble yellow pigment and a red pigment extracted with an alkaline solution. Unlike many botanical dyes, safflower is not simply boiled: the yellow pigment is first washed out, then the red pigment is extracted.
Petals dried without forming them into cakes are called ranka. They can be used for yellow dyeing and, after the yellow pigment is thoroughly removed, for red dyeing as well.
Only a very small amount of red pigment is present, so vivid crimson requires many petals and considerable labor. This rarity made crimson a highly valued color.
We hope you will try this ancient style of safflower crimson dyeing.
▼ Dried safflower petals (ranka)
▼ Crimson color sample dyed with safflower
▼ Yellow color sample dyed with safflower
▼ Safflower flowers
These safflowers were grown at the Hitotsuya（ひとつ屋） Dye Farm. The flowers open bright yellow and gradually become reddish.
※Please refer to the color samples shown above.
※50g can dye one T-shirt or one large stole. Color depth and tone vary depending on the fiber and dyeing method.
※This product is sold solely as a dye material. Do not use it as food, medicine, or for any purpose other than dyeing.
Characteristics of Safflower Dyeing
- Soak the petals in water to remove the water-soluble yellow pigment.
- For crimson dyeing, wash the petals repeatedly until the yellow pigment has been thoroughly removed.
- Add an alkaline solution such as wood-ash lye or potassium carbonate to extract the red pigment.
- Immerse the fiber in the extract and add an acid such as vinegar to neutralize the bath and develop the crimson color.
- Repeat dyeing and color development when a deeper crimson is desired.
※Color development varies with water temperature, room temperature, alkaline strength, and the way acid is added. Test a small sample before dyeing the final piece.
Other Plant Dyes
Hitotsuya introduces many other plant dyes for botanical dyeing in addition to safflower.
◆ About Hitotsuya Plant Dyes
The plant dyes offered by Hitotsuya include materials traditionally sold as herbal medicines, as well as plants grown at our Hitotsuya Dye Farm.
We grow our plants with as little pesticide and chemical fertilizer as possible. Although we take great care, small insects may occasionally be mixed in. This does not affect their quality as dye materials.
We hope these materials will support your safe and natural creative work.
Product Pages for Dried Safflower Petals 50g
Dried safflower petals 50g are handled by the Hitotsuya shop and the following online stores. Please check current stock on each product page.