Akane Natural Dyeing Workshop with Traditional Silk Braiding
Workshop with Ichiro Sugimoto
Wednesday 9 October 2024, 10.30am - 4pm
£80
Venue: MAKE Southwest
Suitable for: Adults
Level: All Abilities
This one-day workshop is devised for participants to be able to dye the silk threads in different shades of akane or Japanese madder - and to braid them. The focus will be on gaining an understanding of akane. Under the guidance of Japanese dyer, researcher, ecologist and ‘revivalist’ of the ancient plant dye akane, Ichiro Sugimoto, you will create your own traditional braided accessory. Simple braiding will be used to demonstrate the extraordinary range of colours that Sugimoto-san obtains from a single plant.
Schedule:
The first hour will be spent dyeing silk threads. Sugimoto-san will use dyes extracted in the previous two-day workshop. These will demonstrate the range of colours that he is able to extract from the roots of the akane that he grows in Japan. Should these threads not have dried, it should be stressed that threads dyed with akane in Japan by Sugimoto-san, will be used for the workshop.
Sugimoto-san will give a detailed presentation on his incredible dedication to deepening 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 will show, to the shades and intensity obtained from madder cultivated in other countries.
The rest of the workshop will be spent working with Sugimoto-san to make a traditional braid - the activity is devised to allow participants to be able to make the braided silk cord within the course of this one-day workshop.
There will be a handling session with both the materials used, dyed yarns and many other samples that he has prepared in Japan. The workshop will conclude with a chance for questions 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
All tools and materials will be provided. 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.