2-Day Akane Natural Dyeing
Workshop with Ichiro Sugimoto
Monday 7 - Tuesday 8 October 2024
10.30am - 4pm [2 days]
£160
Venue: MAKE Southwest
Suitable for: Adults
Level: All Abilities
Under the guidance of Japanese dyer, researcher, ecologist and ‘revivalist’ of the ancient plant dye akane, Ichiro Sugimoto, this unique ‘hands on’ workshop will allow participants to experience the use of akane from the initial preparation of the roots cultivated in his own fields, to the final dyeing process of silk, cotton and wool. It will include a presentation on the ‘revival ‘of its historical use; sustainable approach to its cultivation, and comparison to Indian and Bhutanese madder with samples for comparison. This will be accompanied with samples of dyed silk threads, wool and cotton showing the wide range of colours that be obtained from akane.
Schedule:
Day One will be spent preparing the dyes in a number of pots. Sugimoto-san will discuss his approach to obtaining the widest range of colours that he has been able to obtain from deep and ‘cool’ reds to pale oranges and lemon.
Alongside cooking the dyes, he will give a detailed presentation on his work to deepen an understanding of growing, harvesting, drying the roots, and dyeing with akane. This talk will also cover the historical and cultural significance of akane in Japan and its differences, as his detailed scientific research has shown, to the shades and intensity obtained from madder cultivated in other countries. There will be a handling session with the materials used, dyed threads and other samples that he has prepared in Japan. The day will conclude with a chance for questions and informal discussion.
Day Two will give a wonderful chance to spend the day working alongside with Sugimoto-san. We will explore the range of shades and colours possible from the dyes prepared during the previous day. The materials will include cotton, silk and wool which will be provided. During the course of the day, there will be ample time for questions and discussion. Further samples will be available for handling of dyed woven textiles, threads and fabrics with Sugimoto’s detailed findings on process and differences between akane to other strains of madder. The day will conclude further questions that have arisen and informal discussion.
MAKE Southwest presents two workshops with Ichiro Sugimoto, Japanese Researcher, Ecologist and ‘Revivalist’ of the Ancient Plant Dye akane (Native Japanese Madder).
During his visit for the first time to the UK, Ichiro Sugimoto with share his extraordinary dedication to researching dyeing with akane, (native Japanese madder), coupled with his interest in sustainable methods of its cultivation. Working with Professor Siân Bowen, Artist-in-Residence, Economic Botany, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, these workshops will offer a unique opportunity for researchers, practitioners and students to engage with a wide range of aspects related to Japanese plant dyeing.
The ancient colour made from the roots of the madder plant, genus Rubia tinctorum from the Anthraquinone family, has been used historically throughout the world, and was found for example in the 5th century tomb of Tutankhamun. In Japan it was used widely during the 13th century by the nobility. Ichiro Sugimoto has collated in-depth data from his experimentation with his own Japanese madder roots and those from India, Europe and Bhutan. These results showed the intense depth of colour that native Japanese madder can yield.
Ichiro Sugimoto, now seventy-one years of age, is a dyer and former chemist based in the countryside near Osaka, Japan. An extraordinary dedication to the historical research of the use of akane, coupled with his interest in sustainable methods of its cultivation, has resulted in his understanding of how to yield colours from the palest lemon to the deepest red. Cultural projects he has led include re-dyeing Noh theatre drum strings for the first time in eight hundred years, and threads of samurai armour from the Heian Period, Musashi Mitake Shrine, Ome, Japan.
This visit will offer a unique ‘hands on’ workshop which will allow participants to experience the use of akane from the initial preparation the roots cultivated in his own fields, to the final dyeing process of silk, cotton, and paper. Traditional silk braiding workshops will be possible.
Ichiro Sugimoto will also deliver an accompanying lecture on his experimentation with akane in relation to: ecological traditional and ground-breaking dye processes; sustainable cultivation; historical and cultural significance, and collaboration with local communities and Japanese farmers.
On the Day
Tickets include tuition and all necessary tools and materials for the two days workshop duration. It does not include lunch or accommodation.
Please wear old clothes in case of staining!
Tea, coffee and biscuits are included and will be available on the day. Our Café is also open should you wish to purchase other refreshments during the workshop - all participants receive a 10% discount voucher for food and drink purchased on the day.
On arrival, please make your way to the side gate of the Riverside Mill, through the courtyard and up the stone stairs on the side of the building. Please let us know if you require the lift.
Please be aware that you cannot use the Co-op car park for all day parking. The Methodist Church car park and Station Road car park usually have plenty of spaces. Click here for more information on our location and car parking for the day.
View MAKE Southwest's Cancellation Policy, HERE.