The 【Hitotsuya Textile Farm】 is devoted to growing dye plants. We cultivate valuable materials for natural dyeing, including indigo, kariyasu and koganebana. Among them, one plant we care for especially carefully is Japanese madder, known as “Nihon Akane”.
The Japanese madder is now in full bloom. If we can collect plenty of seeds, we hope to expand the cultivated area next year. Keep going!! Japanese madder!!
Plant Dyes for Sale
Japanese madder was once a weed-like plant commonly seen along roadsides and in wooded thickets. Perhaps it was displaced by introduced species!? Today, it is said to have become difficult to find. We have been cultivating Nihon Akane at the 【Hitotsuya Textile Farm】 for several years. Since the winter of 2023, we have been able to harvest it in small quantities. Try recreating the “red of antiquity” mentioned in the Gishi Wajinden, the Account of the People of Wa in the Records of Wei.
※ A 30 g quantity can dye one furoshiki wrapping cloth or one large stole. The depth and shade of the colour will vary depending on the material and dyeing method.
※ Plant dyes for natural dyeing are available from the Hitotsuya physical shop, as well as through Amazon, Rakuten, Yahoo! and Creema.