A unique dyeing technique yielding exquisitely colored patterns

Tegaki-yuzen, hand-dying, is a type of pattern dying that became popular in the mid-Edo Period (Eighteen century) This technique which enables the dyeing of densely-packed, intricate patterns, is highly unusual, but is made possible by squeezing rich starch paste, called nori, into a fine outline, called an itome.

A painstaking process to being colors to life

The production of tegaki-yuzen requires several highly painstaking steps. 
* Each Tegaki-yuzen workshop uses slightly different processes and tools. The steps outlined below are those used in the dyeing of the fabrics used in our bras.

1. Design

A preliminary design is drawn on a paper template called a hinagata.

2. Rough sketch

A scale drawing is created on a piece of paper the same size as the actual fabric.

3. Outline

Fabric is laid on top of the rough sketch, and the rough sketch is carefully traced with special glue. 　

4. Pretreatment

Funori, a liquid adhesive made from a type of seaweed, is applied to the entire piece of fabric to ensure it is dyed evenly.

5. Pattern dyeing

Dye is applied to the patterned areas. The desired color is achieved by mixing anywhere from five to six primary colors.

6. Wax coating

Heated wax is applied to the colored patterns to protect them.

7. Background dyeing

The background dye is applied.

8. Washing

When the dyes have dried, they are steamed in a special boiler for kimonos. At this stage, any leftover dyes and wax are washed off.

9. Steaming

The fabric is steamed again and stretched out straight.

10. Retouching

The final product is checked, and the dyes are retouched as needed. 

Tegaki-Yuzen products link is here