*You can choose a stole in addition to a handkerchief.
*Reservations are required if you wish to participate in the workshop.
Mud dyeing of Oshima Tsumugi is famous, but at Amami-no Sato in Kagoshima City, you can experience the culture of Amami through natural dyeing using leaves and stems of a tree called Fukugi (福木, “tree of fortune”) instead of mud dyeing.
The Fukugi tree grows along the coasts of warm regions like Amami Oshima and Okinawa. The iconic tree tunnel with the sea in the background seen in the opening sequence of the NHK drama “Chimudondon” is lined with Fukugi trees.
In a are of Amami Oshima, festivals related to Fukugi are held. Local lore in this regions says, “If you offer prayers to the spirit of the tree and write your wishes on Fukugi leaves, good fortune will come.” Festival participants write their wishes on Fukugi leaves using a white marker pen. Thanks to its name, Fukugi (福木, literally “tree of fortune”), and the legend that wishes come true, this tree is believed to bring happiness. Dyeing with this auspicious tree produces a soft yellow color.
The dyeing process is guided by friendly workshop staff who explain everything in detail. Choose from a variety of patterns, and prepare by tying the parts you don’t want to dye with rubber bands. It is simple enough for beginners!
Once the rubber bands are tied, it’s time to dye. The staff prepares hot dye made from boiled Fukugi leaves and stems. Place your tied handkerchief into the dye and ensure the color is applied evenly to avoid blotches.
However, if left as it is, the freshly dyed color would fade quickly. To fix the color, a mordant liquid containing copper is used. A chemical reaction between the natural dye and the metal enhances the vibrancy and sets the dye.
Finally, the staff lightly presses the fabric with an iron, and your work is complete!
Stoles are beautiful, too.
This natural dyeing experience also includes admission to the garden. While waiting for your dyed items to dry or after finishing your session, Enjoy exploring the tropical plant zone or the Japanese garden.