“Brand New & Ready to Wear!” Tango Chirimen Bamboo Tussah Benibana Dyeing Hanaori Tsumugi Condition: Brand new, ready to wear Material: Silk Colors: Gray, Pink, Cream Hakkake Color: Pinkish brown gradation This exquisite piece is woven in Tango, Kyoto Prefecture, a region with a long history and advanced techniques, using "Tango Chirimen" to express the traditional Hanaori patterns of Okinawa. Benibana dyeing, also known as beni-zome or hon-beni-zome, refers to dyeing with safflower or the process of dyeing with safflower. The safflower pigment is extracted into an alkaline solution of the supernatant of ash, and threads or cloth are immersed in this for one to two days and nights to absorb the pigment, then dyed red with plum vinegar to fix the color. Dark colors are called kankou, beni, and hi, while light colors are called sakura-iro and toki-iro. Also, when turmeric is used as an underdye and safflower is applied on top, dyeing a yellowish red is called beni-hi. Hanaori is a general term for patterned textiles from Okinawa. The technique of weaving patterns that appear to float on the flat fabric has a delicate charm that resembles fine embroidery, and is very popular. The smooth tsumugi fabric has Hanaori patterns woven into it, with the floating weave parts being three-dimensional and slightly glossy. The colors of gray, pink, and cream are horizontally gradient dyed. The simple patterns that emerge on the richly textured tsumugi fabric create a stylish impression. This is a carefully crafted masterpiece woven using threads dyed with safflower. Size (from shoulder) Length: 183cm (Suitable for heights up to approximately 183cm) Shoulder Width: 73cm Sleeve Length: 49cm Sleeve Width: 36cm Front Width: 25cm Back Width: 30cm Outer Fabric: Silk (Tango Chirimen) Lining: Silk Collar: Wide collar with snap Hips approximately 100cm (Suitable for Western sizes 9-13!) (The coordination in the photos is for styling purposes. Only the tsumugi is for sale. Accessories may be sold separately.) Please note that this item may be removed without notice as it is also listed on other sites.